China News Service, Shanghai, November 7th. Title: Zero tariffs create opportunities. Good African goods enter the Expo to seek business opportunities.
Author Li Shuzheng Di Quan
On November 7, the 9th China International Import Expo is being held in Shanghai. "Can I show you these blankets?" Larissa Primmer, a mohair products business owner from South Africa, is introducing the goodies from her hometown to her customers.
Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff measures with 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. After tariff costs are reduced, what new opportunities will come for African goods? Exhibitors and buyers at the CIIE are looking for their own answers.
A South African tangerine has made Chinese importers feel the changes.
"We have been importing South African citrus for more than ten years." Ye Xiaojuan, brand promotion manager of Xinrongmao Fruit Technology Group, said in an interview with a reporter from China News Service that day that with the implementation of Africa's zero-tariff policy this year, the company's related citrus product business has grown by about 50%. She said that with the help of policies, Golden Wing Mau also introduced Kenyan avocados to the Chinese market for the first time this year.
Luthando Vuba, head of international trade at Standard Bank Group, also feels this change. The international trade business he is responsible for covers 16 African countries. In his observation, not only the original export companies have benefited from it, but also new entrants have opened up the Chinese market.
"We see that more African customers are interested in coming to the CIIE and participating in the exhibition with us." Lu Tangduo said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Service that after the implementation of the zero-tariff policy, the growth of Africa's exports to China has been further promoted. Whether they hope to diversify their markets or expand existing exports to China, African companies are showing greater interest in the Chinese market.
Chinese customs data shows that in May and June 2026, China's imports from Africa reached 193.8 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 23.5%. Among them, aquatic products and textile raw materials imported from Africa both achieved double-digit growth year-on-year.
For African small businesses that are testing the Chinese market for the first time, the price advantage brought by zero tariffs is a stepping stone.
"I'm exploring to see if my products are suitable for the Chinese market." Tulie, a South African entrepreneur who participated in the exhibition for the first time, regards the CIIE as the starting point for understanding Chinese consumers. Her brand specializes in handmade skin care and hair care products. “China’s zero-tariff policy is undoubtedly a big plus for our start-up companies,” she said.
Buyers' demand is also being transmitted back to African farms and workshops along with orders.
Lu Tangduo said that as China's market demand expands, more small farmers are expected to be included in the supply system, and cooperatives will also have the opportunity to benefit from it. "Behind me is Rooibos tea from South Africa." Lu Tangduo said that this customer's business has been growing year by year by reaching export deals with Chinese buyers. As demand rises, companies are looking for other growers to help meet the demand for supplies to China.
In his view, governments' support for small farmers and the development of bilateral relations between Africa and China will help these small-scale producers seize market opportunities in China.
For Primo, the link of cooperation lies in the employment in the workshop. Attending the CIIE for the first time, Primo had two expectations: selling products and finding agents or distributors. Her workshop now has 15 employees, all of whom are women. “With the steady flow of orders, we can hire more local people.” She hopes to rely on the CIIE to find Chinese partners, let the products enter more Chinese families, and at the same time bring job opportunities to people in her hometown.
