China says its zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is already delivering significant economic benefits with the initiative capable of accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking in Abuja at a one-day international seminar put together by the centre for China study, Ambassador Yu Dunhai said China-Africa trade reached a record 207 billion dollars in the first half of 2026.
He added that Chinese imports from Africa have also increased significantly since the policy took effect.
The zero-tariff policy, which took effect on May 1, 2026, provides tariff-free access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
For Nigeria, Ambassador Dunhai said the impact has been particularly strong, with bilateral trade reaching 18 billion dollars.
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He said Chinese imports from Nigeria also rose by 80 per cent to 2.3 billion dollars.
He said increased trade is also creating opportunities in logistics, warehousing, and transportation, with the potential to generate more jobs for young Nigerians.
The director, Centre for China Study, Charles Onanuju, urged Nigeria to improve product quality, strengthen supply chains, and expand local processing to maximize the opportunities.
The Ambassador said deeper trade cooperation between both countries could help Nigeria expand its exports, strengthen local industries, and derive greater value from the Chinese market.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
