China to Implement Zero-Tariff Policy for African Countries
In a congratulatory message sent in February to mark the 39th African Union Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would fully implement a zero-tariff policy for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting from May 1, 2026. Concurrently, China will continue to conclude economic partnership agreements for shared development.
In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, developing countries, including African nations, are facing severe challenges. Adhering to the principles of sincerity, concrete results, affinity, good faith, and a defense of justice and common interests, China has innovated the way agreements are concluded by applying a zero-tariff policy for a specified period, thereby opening up its market and offering new development opportunities for African countries. This initiative reflects China's active willingness to extend its high-level opening-up and will play a significant role in strengthening Sino-African economic and trade ties, as well as in building a shared China-Africa community of the future.
Extension of Zero-Tariff Policy to 20 Additional African Countries
Regarding the 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic relations with China, the 100% zero-tariff policy covering all product categories has been in effect since December 1, 2024. China is now extending the measure to 20 additional African countries, including Tunisia, for a period of two years, offering a preferential tariff of zero tariffs. This innovative measure, adopted unilaterally by China, aims to promote African exports to its market, support African development, and enable African countries to benefit from these advantages as soon as possible.
In an international context marked by the repercussions of the Middle East conflict and the difficulties faced by many African countries, this measure has increased importance and relevance. To ensure a durable, stable, and predictable institutional framework, the two parties are called upon to conclude "early harvest" arrangements and economic partnership agreements for shared development as soon as possible. China and Tunisia have already agreed on the text of the framework agreement. It is hoped that the two parties will accelerate their communication and coordination to sign the agreement quickly and launch negotiations on "early harvest" arrangements to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Next Steps
Subsequently, the two parties can choose one or more of the following four modules to negotiate: "easier trade," "more inclusive development," "more resilient supply chains," and "more modern development areas," with the aim of ultimately reaching a comprehensive and integrated agreement covering all these modules.
China's Commitment to Tunisia's Concerns
The Chinese side understands and attaches great importance to the concerns of the Tunisian side regarding non-tariff measures. The General Administration of Customs of China has revised the Regulation on the Management and Registration of Overseas Enterprises of Imported Food Products to facilitate further trade in foodstuffs to China. Olive oil is one of Tunisia's main agricultural export products. Last year, the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia coordinated with the competent customs services in China to organize an information session for the Tunisian side, during which Chinese customs inspection and quarantine policies and rules for importing foodstuffs were presented. We are pleased to note that since last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of Tunisian olive oil production companies registered with China as overseas enterprises of imported food products.
Ambassador Wan Li's Statement
"We are happy to see that since last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of Tunisian olive oil production companies registered with China as overseas enterprises of imported food products. The Chinese Embassy has also solicited the Center for Promotion of Exports of Tunisia (CEPEX) to recommend some major companies in the sector, in order to provide them with on-site support and jointly resolve the difficulties and problems encountered during their registration. At the next stage, the Chinese side will strengthen its coordination and cooperation with the Tunisian side, actively advance the procedures for accessing the Chinese market for other agro-food products of importance to the Tunisian side, and encourage more Tunisian specialty agricultural products to benefit from the opportunities offered by the vast Chinese market."
Key Points
- China's zero-tariff policy is a unilateral and progressive measure, unlike traditional free trade agreements.
- China does not seek reciprocal tariff reductions.
- China will grant zero tariffs on all product lines for Tunisian products, while Tunisia can, based on its own situation, reduce tariffs on certain products.
- China hopes that Tunisia will maintain close cooperation to benefit from the advantages offered by this zero-tariff policy as soon as possible.
WAN Li Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Tunisia
