By Eamonn Ryan
China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to imports from 53 African countries is beginning to deliver measurable benefits for exporters of temperature-sensitive agricultural products, with lower import costs and faster customs clearance strengthening the competitiveness of African produce.
JC Studio | Magnfic.com
The figures, released by Shanghai Customs and reported by China Daily, provide an early indication of how the policy could reshape refrigerated exports from the continent. For African cold chain operators, exporters and logistics providers, the combination of reduced duties and streamlined border procedures could make China an increasingly attractive destination for fresh produce.
Since the expanded zero-tariff policy came into effect on 1 May 2026, imports from the 53 eligible African countries have exceeded CNY1.2 billion (approximately R2.9-billion), generating tariff savings of around CNY120-million (R290-million).
Fresh produce has been among the early beneficiaries.
According to Shanghai Customs, African fruit imported under the preferential tariff scheme has reached a value of CNY13.66-million (about R33-million), with importers reporting that the removal of tariffs has reduced the landed cost of fresh fruit by approximately 17% per container.
For exporters of citrus, grapes, avocados and other refrigerated products, lower import costs can improve price competitiveness in one of the world’s largest consumer markets while helping offset the significant costs associated with refrigerated shipping.
Shanghai Customs has also introduced several trade facilitation measures aimed specifically at preserving product quality. These include a 24-hour green channel for perishable agricultural products, commodity-specific clearance plans and additional customs resources to accelerate inspections and market entry. Faster border processing is particularly valuable for fresh produce, where every hour saved helps preserve shelf life and product quality.
The zero-tariff policy extends beyond agriculture, with industrial components also benefiting from lower duties and faster customs procedures. However, for Africa’s cold chain sector, the implications are especially significant because the policy reduces both financial and logistical barriers to exporting perishable goods.
China expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from 1 May 2026, broadening a programme that previously applied only to the continent’s least-developed countries. The move forms part of Beijing’s wider strategy to increase imports from Africa while deepening trade ties across the continent.
South African exporters are also able to benefit from the scheme. The South African Revenue Service began issuing certificates of origin for qualifying exports from 1 June 2026 after completing the legal and operational framework needed to implement the agreement. Exports shipped or cleared from 1 May 2026 may also qualify retrospectively, provided the required certificates of origin are obtained.
For the African cold chain industry, the early results suggest that the initiative is about more than tariff reductions. By combining preferential market access with quicker customs clearance, the policy has the potential to improve the efficiency of refrigerated export supply chains and strengthen Africa’s position in the growing Chinese market.