China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Tanzania as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, unveiling a sweeping zero-tariff policy to boost African exports to the Chinese market.
Speaking during the “Zero Tariff for Shared Opportunities” breakfast meeting for Tanzanian exporters at the Johari Rotana, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said the policy officially came into effect on May 1, 2026.
Under the initiative, all products from African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China will receive full tariff exemptions when entering the Chinese market.
“It is a very significant policy in favor of African countries,” Ambassador Chen said. “All products under the tariff line from African countries will be exempted from tariffs.”
The ambassador said the policy would provide Tanzanian goods with faster and more efficient access to China’s vast consumer market, particularly benefiting agricultural produce, minerals, and cultural products.
She noted that the expanded market access is expected to improve profitability and competitiveness for Tanzanian producers while supporting industrial upgrading, employment creation, and broader economic development.
The remarks come as China and Tanzania commemorate six decades of bilateral relations widely regarded as among the strongest and longest-standing partnerships between China and Africa.
Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded across infrastructure, trade, transport, manufacturing, energy, and cultural exchange, with Beijing remaining one of Tanzania’s largest development and trading partners.
Ambassador Chen urged Tanzanian businesses to quickly familiarize themselves with export procedures and regulatory requirements needed to access the Chinese market under the new framework.
“I understand that the beginning is always difficult,” she said. “But a journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step.”
She added that the Chinese embassy in Tanzania would work closely with Tanzanian businesses to help them better understand and utilize the policy.
“Our embassy would like to support Tanzanian business people to make good use of this policy and achieve common development,” she said.
The event was organized by Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the Chinese government and brought together senior government officials, exporters, investors, and private sector representatives.
