This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles. Over the past half century, China-Seychelles relations have grown stronger with time, with continuously deepening political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation, and increasingly vibrant people-to-people exchanges. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, as well as the correct approach to justice and interests, starting from May 1,  China has, implemented a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations. In order to facilitate Seychellois better understand and benefit from this important measure, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some interpretations of this policy.

1. What is the zero-tariff policy?

On December 1, 2024, China implemented zero tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for products from 33 least developed African countries. Starting from May 1, 2026, this policy has been further extended to 20 additional African countries with diplomatic relations with China, including Seychelles, that are not classified as least developed countries. The policy will be implemented in the form of preferential tariff rates until April 30, 2028, for a period of two years. For products subject to tariff-rate quotas, tariffs within the quota will be reduced to zero, while tariffs outside the quota will remain unchanged.

2. What is the policy significance of the zero-tariff measure?

China’s implementation of zero tariffs for all African countries with diplomatic relations makes it the first major economy in the world to grant unilateral, full-coverage zero-tariff treatment to all such countries including to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic ties. This is a concrete action by China to expand high-level opening-up and advance voluntary liberalization. It is also an innovative measure to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation and to strengthen the China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. The policy will inject strong momentum into China-Africa trade and investment cooperation and Africa’s development.

3. What new opportunities will the zero-tariff policy bring?

First, it will reduce costs and increase profits. Zero tariffs will lower the cost of African products entering the Chinese market and enhance their competitiveness. For example, cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana previously faced tariffs of 8-22%; coffee and avocados from Kenya were subject to tariffs of 8-30% and 20% respectively; citrus fruits and wine from South Africa faced tariffs of 12% and 14-20% respectively. After May 1, 2026 these products, provided they meet relevant rules of origin and inspection and quarantine requirements, will enjoy zero tariffs. This will help expand African exports to China and enrich supply in the Chinese market, offering consumers more diverse choices.

Second, it will promote the integration of trade and investment. Zero tariffs will help attract increased investment in Africa from China and other partners, bringing capital, technology, equipment, and management expertise. African specialty products can be processed locally before being exported to China. This will promote the formation and upgrading of industrial chains in Africa, support industrialization and agricultural modernization, and contribute to more balanced and sustainable China-Africa trade.

Third, it will support economic upgrading. Zero tariffs will encourage diversification of African export products, increase value-added, and optimize export structures. It will benefit large numbers of smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, create new jobs, and improve livelihoods. The policy will also promote cooperation in services trade, digital trade, green industries, and sustainable development, significantly enhancing Africa’s capacity for independent development and accelerating modernization.

4. How will Seychelles benefit from the zero-tariff policy?

First, it will enhance export competitiveness and expand market opportunities. The policy will significantly strengthen the price advantage of Seychelles’ fisheries and aquatic products in the Chinese market, boosting exports and promoting diversification.

Second, it will reduce trade costs and improve customs efficiency. Measures such as fast-track customs clearance, electronic certificates of origin, and mutual recognition of inspection and quarantine will simplify procedures and lower institutional transaction costs.

Third, it will optimize industrial structure and cultivate new growth drivers. The policy will promote the development of processing industries, increase product value-added, and help Seychelles integrate more deeply into regional and global industrial chains, while fostering new growth areas such as high-quality food exports and the blue economy.

Fourth, it will boost employment and deepen bilateral cooperation. Expanded trade will drive job growth in fisheries, processing, logistics, and services. Small and medium-sized enterprises and local producers will benefit significantly, and cooperation in areas such as the blue economy, infrastructure, and public health will be further strengthened.

The Chinese Embassy in Seychelles stands ready to take this zero-tariff policy as an opportunity to actively facilitate China-Seychelles economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, and to facilitate Seychelles to expand exports to China. At this critical historical point, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the diplomatic ties of China and Seychelles are entering a new stage of building on past achievements and opening up the future. China is willing to work together with Seychelles to promote trade facilitation, deepen practical cooperation, achieve common development, ensure that cooperation benefits both countries and their peoples, and push the China-Seychelles strategic partnership to new heights.