China announced on Friday new measures to further facilitate imports from Africa, including upgrading the "green channels" and fully implementing zero-tariff treatment for African countries that have diplomatic ties with Beijing.
At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that these policies are designed to expand market access for African products in China and boost mutual benefits for the Chinese and African peoples.
This announcement follows a release from the General Administration of Customs of China (GAC). Starting next July 20, African coffee beans that meet current health and quarantine standards will be granted full access to the Chinese market.
The GAC clarified that coffee beans from all African countries with diplomatic relations with China may be exported to China, provided they comply with the rules set out in Announcement No. 68 of 2026. Chinese authorities added that coffee beans have now been included in the list of agricultural products enjoying unified regional market access to China.
Mao Ning pointed out that the zero-tariff policy covering the 53 relevant African countries opens up "a new window of opportunities" for African exports.
She said the policy embodies China’s commitment to advancing cooperation based on sincerity, pragmatism, friendship and good faith, in line with the principles for China-Africa relations put forward by the Chinese President.
The spokesperson also expressed the hope that more high-quality African goods and local specialties will enter the Chinese market in the years ahead.
