China Opens Wider Market for Zambian Exports

Zambian coffee exporters are set to benefit as China expands market access and trade facilitation measures for African countries.

Speaking to African journalists in Beijing, General Administration of Customs of China Deputy Director General for International Cooperation Zhang Xiaohui said Zambia is already among African countries approved to export coffee beans to China, subject to required standards.

Mr Zhang said China is introducing zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, supported by an upgraded Green Channel to speed up customs, inspection and quarantine procedures for qualifying agricultural and food products.

Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania are currently approved to export coffee beans to China, while 10 other African countries have applied for access.

China has also streamlined quarantine requirements following risk assessments to reduce unnecessary inspections and delays. The approach has already enabled African dried chillies to meet China’s entry requirements.

Mr Zhang said the measures aim to increase African agricultural exports while maintaining food safety and biosecurity standards.

Zero-tariff treatment was extended to 33 African least-developed countries in December 2024, while preferential tariff treatment for another 20 countries took effect on May 1, 2026. China Customs has also established rules of origin and a certification system to help exporters access the concessions.

China-Africa trade reached a record US$348.81 billion in 2025 and rose to US$203.65 billion in the first half of 2026, the highest level recorded for the period.

China is also strengthening cooperation with African customs authorities through the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) system. Mutual recognition agreements are in place with Mauritius, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia, while talks continue with Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Ghana.

In 2025, China Customs trained 410 African customs officers through 24 programmes covering agricultural inspection, quarantine and customs procedures.

Mr Zhang also encouraged African companies to participate in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha next year, saying the events will create opportunities to connect with Chinese businesses and build new trade partnerships.