On May 1, 2026, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all products from its 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. In the first month of the policy’s implementation, Changsha Customs processed preferential tariff treatment for African imports valued at 31.363 million CNY on behalf of Hunan enterprises, generating tariff reductions of 2.4275 million CNY and injecting new momentum into the growth of Hunan-Africa trade and economic ties.

Changsha Kaiafen Agricultural Products Co., Ltd., a company based in China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone, recently imported 395.5 kilograms of black tea from Kenya and is expected to save more than 3,800 CNY in tariffs. Kenyan golden crab has become a standout import through Changsha Huanghua International Airport, drawing strong demand from Chinese consumers. On May 28, a 2.5-metric-ton shipment of live Kenyan golden crabs imported by Hunan Huanhai International Trade Co., Ltd. arrived at the airport. Under the zero-tariff policy, the applicable tariff rate dropped from 7 percent to zero, allowing the company to benefit from tariff reductions of about 18,000 CNY and passing real benefits on to consumers.

Yueyang’s Chenglingji Port serves as a key point for African imports into Hunan Province. Since May 1, Hunan Changkang Industrial Co., Ltd. has imported sesame seeds worth more than

10 million CNY from Togo through the port, receiving tariff reductions totaling 1.022 million CNY.

Following the implementation of the zero-tariff policy, Changsha Customs has launched a series of policy briefings and set up dedicated service counters for preferential tariff treatment to ensure businesses receive the benefits promptly and directly. The authority has also advanced a package of supporting measures, including immediate review upon declaration and priority inspection for imported African agricultural and food products. Changsha Customs has further leveraged its pioneering Pre-assessment Mechanism for Market Access of Food Products Exported to China from Africa, along with Hunan-based platforms such as the China-Africa Technical Measures to Trade Research and Evaluation Base and the China-Africa SPS Cooperation Information Website, to facilitate and support the high-quality development of Hunan-Africa trade. (By Lin Jun, Tian Lidan)

Disclaimer:

This is an English translation of the original Chinese version and is provided for reference only. In the event of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.