China grants continent-wide market access for African coffee and spices

June 26, 2026

Reported by AI

Beijing is granting African nations continent-wide market access for coffee, chillies and cashews by bypassing years of bilateral negotiations.

Beijing is rewriting its trade playbook by bypassing years of protracted bilateral negotiations to grant continent-wide market access for African coffee, chillies and cashews.

The growing appetite for fiery hotpots in Hunan and Sichuan provinces has fuelled demand for the East African varieties prized by Chinese food processors for their heat and low moisture content.

Blanket relationship with all African nations is viewed as a precedent for partners like the EU.

China's Africa duty-free policy: Specific products now tariff-free

China's zero-tariff policy on African goods, effective after May 1, 2026, now covers products like cocoa, coffee, wine, minerals, and seafood—provided they meet origin and quarantine rules. This two-year measure addresses trade imbalances, building on February's expansion to 53 countries (excluding Eswatini).

China expands zero tariffs to all African nations

May 07, 2026 Reported by AI

China has extended zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties, effective from May 1, covering 20 nations beyond the least developed category.

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First Kenyan avocados arrive in China under zero-tariff deal

The first shipment of Kenyan avocados reached China on May 8 under a new zero-tariff agreement that began on May 1. Chinese authorities confirmed the arrival of 6.9 tonnes of the fruit alongside South African apples. The deal removes duties on 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports to help balance trade.

Ongoing Middle East conflict causes shipping delays for Kenya's exports

April 21, 2026 Reported by AI

One month into disruptions from the Middle East conflict, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui warned that Kenya's exports—especially to the key Middle East market worth Ksh164.6 billion—are facing doubled transit times of up to 20 days due to Red Sea and Gulf restrictions, spoiling time-sensitive flowers, coffee, and other goods while hiking freight costs. The government is pursuing alternative routes, port upgrades at Mombasa and Lamu, and market diversification.

June 11, 2026 13:50