At the stroke of midnight, 24 tons of South African apples became the first batch of imported goods to enter China under a historic initiative, as China extended its zero‑tariff regime to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This measure took effect on May 1.
The shipment, quickly cleared by Shenzhen customs officers in the early hours of Friday, is destined for supermarkets and wholesale markets across the country. For these South African apples, the tariff rate dropped from 10% to zero, thereby enhancing their price competitiveness in the Chinese market.
“This is a real advantage,” said Luo Shengcong, General Manager of Shenzhen Kin Shing Yip International Agent Co., Ltd., adding that the current batch of goods will save about 20,000 yuan (approximately USD 2,929) in customs duties.
Since December 1, 2024, China had already implemented a zero‑tariff regime for the least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties, including 33 African LDCs.
This new zero‑tariff measure represents another major step that will give strong impetus to Sino‑African cooperation in trade and investment, as well as Africa’s development.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record USD 348 billion in 2025.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Guo Xueyan, an official with the General Administration of Customs, emphasized that in a global context marked by rising protectionism, China’s strengthening of its zero‑tariff policies for African countries embodies the very essence of multilateralism.
Source: People's Daily