China has announced that it will continue signing Economic Partnership for Shared Development agreements with African countries as part of its efforts to strengthen trade and economic cooperation across the continent.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Friday (May 22), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said these agreements will provide a stronger institutional framework for economic cooperation and help ensure the long-term implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports.
China recently became the first major economy to voluntarily grant zero-tariff access to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The policy currently benefits 53 African nations.
According to Guo, the first shipment to enter China under the new arrangement arrived on 1 May, when 24 tonnes of South African apples were imported duty-free.
Since the policy took effect, a variety of African products have successfully entered the Chinese market through multiple ports.
These include avocados from Kenya, fresh citrus fruits from Egypt, gypsum from Morocco, bovine bone products from Nigeria, and wine and pharmaceutical raw materials from South Africa.
Chinese officials say the initiative has helped increase the availability of African products in China while reducing trade costs between China and African countries.
The policy has also boosted confidence among African farmers, producers, and exporters seeking greater access to the Chinese market.
Guo emphasized that the zero-tariff arrangement is part of a broader package of trade-support measures rather than a simple tax reduction programme.
China has introduced several measures to facilitate African exports, including upgrading “green lane” channels for agricultural and food products, simplifying quarantine and customs procedures, and implementing risk-based management systems to speed up trade flows.
The initiative forms part of China’s broader commitment to deepening economic ties with Africa and promoting shared development through increased trade, investment, and market access.