Natural Rubber Has Not Yet Been Included in The Zero Tariff Scope For All African Countries With Diplomatic Relations

The Tariff Commission of the State Council issued a notice on April 28, stating that from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028, zero tariffs will be implemented in the form of preferential tax rates for 20 African countries that do not belong to the least developed countries and have diplomatic relations with China; Among them, tariff quota products only reduce the tariff rate within the quota to zero, while the tariff rate outside the quota remains unchanged.
It is reported that during the 2-year implementation period, China will continue to promote the signing of economic partnership agreements for common development with relevant African countries. For the 33 African least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, China has implemented zero tariffs on 100% of their taxable products since December 1, 2024. Starting from May 1, 2026, China will become the world's first major economy to achieve unilateral and comprehensive zero tariff treatment for all African countries and all least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with Africa.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that the comprehensive implementation of zero tariffs on 53 African countries with diplomatic relations is a concrete action taken by China to expand high-level opening-up and actively expand independent opening-up. It is an innovative measure to implement the achievements of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation and build a 24/7 China Africa community with a shared future in the new era. It will undoubtedly inject strong impetus into China Africa trade and investment cooperation and African development.
2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. The Ministry of Commerce stated that it will continue to work with relevant departments to implement zero tariff measures in accordance with the principles of equal consultation and mutual benefit, promote the signing of economic partnership agreements for common development with African countries, deepen institutional cooperation in China Africa economic and trade, and share opportunities and common development with African countries.