By Dr. Saidu Abubakar
Three and a half months after taking effect, the zero-tariff policy of China has seen the volume of trade with Nigeria rising to $18 bn, while overall trade with African countries grows to an all time high of $207 billion.
In the first half of 2026, China-Africa trade hit a historic high of $207 billion, reveals the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai.
Dunhai spoke today, August 14 in Abuja at a Seminar on “China’s Zero-Tariff Measures and Africa’s Economic Structural Transformation.”
He said from May to June alone, Chinese imports from Africa reached $29 billion—a 24% year-on-year increase.
He added that estimates show that the zero-tariff policy has boosted overall African exports to China by roughly 6%.
According to the Chinese Ambassador, Nigeria’s performance has been especially striking: total bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of the year, up by 35% year-on-year, while Chinese imports from Nigeria surged 80% to $2.3 billion, with monthly growth exceeding 40% in both May and June.
His words: “The world is undergoing profound shifts unseen in a century. Geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global supply chains, while unilateralism and protectionism threaten the international multilateral trading system.
“African economies have long faced structural disadvantages—delayed industrialization, incomplete manufacturing systems, and infrastructure bottlenecks—leaving many caught in a cycle of resource abundance alongside economic lag. In the post-pandemic era, shrinking global demand and slowing capital flows have added further pressure.
“What Africa needs today is stable, open access to international markets to power its long-term recovery.
“China remains firmly guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, alongside a commitment to shared benefits. We do not interfere in internal affairs, we respect Africa’s independent path, and we are committed to helping address core development bottlenecks.
“This zero-tariff measure represents a major upgrade to China’s preferential policies, opening our market of 1.4 billion consumers without political conditions or market-access barriers.
“It creates a modern institutional bridge for practical, mutually beneficial cooperation.
“This policy marks a milestone for Africa’s economic development, China-Africa ties, and global trade governance.
“For Africa, paired with our “Green Channel 2.0” for agricultural goods, it directly lowers export costs, solves access challenges, and helps high-value resources reach China’s vast market—enabling Africa to reduce reliance on unprocessed commodities.
“For China-Africa cooperation, it shifts our partnership from traditional aid and raw material trading toward structural integration, value-addition, and shared industrial development.
“For global governance, it rejects trade bullying, injects positive momentum into the multilateral trading system, and sets a powerful example for equitable participation in global markets.”
Ambassador Dunhai noted that as Africa’s most populous country and a key regional economy, Nigeria is a cornerstone partner for China on the continent.
“Our nations share deep political trust, robust economic ties, and a rich history of practical cooperation. As a flagship partner, Nigeria is positioned to be a primary beneficiary of this zero-tariff policy.
“Since it took effect, we have seen immediate, concrete results in three key areas: First, it has sharply reduced trading costs and energized business activity. Following our recent agreement on export protocols for Nigerian wild aquatic products, market access issues are being resolved in one package.
“Tariff eliminations ranging from 3% to 10% have delivered immediate savings across key exports: every 100 tons of sesame exported saves $11,000 in costs; Nigeria’s annual export of 7,000 tons of cattle bone granules saves nearly $450,000; and on day one of the policy, a single shipment of 23,000 tons of Nigerian liquefied propane with $300,000 in tax savings.
“Second, it is expanding trade volumes while upgrading trade structure. Deliveries of Nigerian specialty products to China are rising steadily, with zero-tariff orders clearing major Chinese ports daily.
“At the same time, exports of high-value Chinese products—such as solar equipment and power infrastructure—are supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address energy gaps and modernize its industrial foundation, creating a more balanced and diversified trading relationship.
“Third, it is empowering Nigeria’s industrial transformation and supporting local livelihoods. Local businesses are leveraging zero tariffs to invest in domestic processing and move up the value chain. Expanding trade flows are also stimulating related sectors—warehousing, logistics, and regional transport—creating employment for young people and building sustainable, self-reliant momentum for Nigeria’s economy.”
He said that to ensure these benefits are enduring and aligned with WTO rules, establishing a formal Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development with China is the only long-term solution.
“To date, 38 African countries have signed framework agreements with China to advance early-harvest negotiations. China looks forward to finalizing these arrangements with more partners, including Nigeria, to turn temporary preferences into institutional guarantees,” he said.
He added: “To ensure the zero-tariff policy delivers maximum impact in Nigeria and across the continent, I would like to suggest four key priorities: First, continuously improve product quality and supply chain stability. Meeting Chinese market standards and ensuring reliable supply volumes are essential for long-term success. China is ready to provide technical support for standardized production to help Nigerian products earn recognition and market share.
“Second, expand local processing and industrial differentiation. China is eager to build joint industrial demonstration parks with Nigeria partners, offering equipment, technology, and training to process raw materials locally, boost employment, and add value before export.
“Third, integrate trade with long-term investment and strengthen institutional alignment. Tariff-free market access provides a strong foundation for attracting investment. Building on our framework agreements, China aims to accelerate negotiations on trade facilitation, investment protection, and quarantine standards to offer a stable institutional environment for investors.
“Fourth, strengthen policy outreach and create platforms for cooperation. We encourage stake holders to hold policy workshops to help local businesses navigate zero-tariff procedures. We warmly invite Nigerian SMEs to leverage platforms like the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo to connect directly with Chinese buyers.”
He said China’s zero-tariff policy is a long-term strategic commitment rooted in mutual respect and shared benefits.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, he said, will fully support the seamless implementation of this policy, helping high-quality Nigerian products reach Chinese consumers while bringing Chinese technology, equipment, and expertise to support Nigeria’s industrial goals.
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria ties. Over the decades, our friendship has withstood every test.
“By successfully implementing this zero-tariff policy, we will elevate China-Nigeria cooperation to new heights, and build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future. China remains fully committed to working hand in hand with Nigeria and all African nations to turn these shared opportunities into lasting prosperity, he said.
He recalled that on February 14th this year, President Xi Jinping announced that, starting May 1, 2026, China would grant zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations with diplomatic relations with China.
This major initiative, he said, marks a strategic milestone in building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and advancing our joint vision for modernization.
