Exporters from Mozambique have welcomed China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to goods from dozens of African countries, saying the move could significantly expand agricultural exports and unlock new market opportunities.
The policy, set to take effect next month, will provide duty-free access to products from 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to China, reducing trade costs and improving price competitiveness for exporters.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, Mozambican producers said the initiative is expected to drive demand for key agricultural products such as avocados and lychees.
“The market is asking for more, demand is huge,” said Alves Vicente of the Zambezi Valley Development Agency, noting that Mozambique is well positioned to supply fresh produce to China’s large consumer market.
Exporters say the removal of tariffs will make African goods more competitive compared with products from other regions, potentially boosting export volumes and increasing incomes for farmers.
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Analysts note that improved market access could also encourage deeper commercial ties between African producers and Chinese firms, particularly in areas such as logistics, processing and value addition.
To prepare for increased demand, Mozambican authorities are stepping up support for farmers through credit facilities, modern equipment and technical assistance aimed at improving productivity and meeting export standards.
Officials say the policy could create a “positive cycle,” where higher exports lead to increased rural incomes and broader economic growth.
The development comes as Mozambique seeks to attract more foreign investment and diversify its export base beyond traditional commodities. Government representatives highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the country as an investment destination, with senior officials engaging Chinese partners to expand trade and industrial cooperation.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, running from April 20 to 25, has brought together businesses from across Africa and beyond, serving as a platform to showcase products, build partnerships and explore new markets.
Around 15 Mozambican companies are participating in this year’s edition, with a strong focus on scaling up exports and leveraging new trade policies to access global markets.
China’s zero-tariff initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen economic ties with Africa, support trade growth and enhance South-South cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
Background to China’s zero-tariff in Africa
China’s zero-tariff initiative for African exports is part of a broader strategy to deepen trade and economic ties with the continent, building on frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Over the past two decades, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade expanding significantly across sectors including infrastructure, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. African exports to China have traditionally been dominated by raw materials such as oil, copper and cobalt, but there has been increasing emphasis on diversifying into agricultural and value-added products.
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The new zero-tariff policy extends duty-free access to goods from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China. It builds on earlier preferential trade schemes that offered limited tariff exemptions, expanding coverage to a wider range of products and countries.
For countries like Mozambique, the policy presents an opportunity to scale up exports of agricultural goods such as fruits, nuts and processed foods, sectors where the country has significant potential but has faced barriers related to cost, logistics and market access.
The initiative also aligns with China’s broader economic strategy of increasing imports and promoting domestic consumption, particularly of high-quality food products. Rising incomes and urbanisation in China have driven demand for diverse agricultural imports, creating new opportunities for foreign suppliers.
At the same time, African governments are seeking to leverage such trade arrangements to support industrialisation, improve trade balances and create jobs. Export-led growth is seen as a key pathway to economic transformation, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a major source of employment.
However, challenges remain. Many African exporters face constraints related to production capacity, quality standards, certification requirements and logistics infrastructure. Meeting China’s phytosanitary and quality regulations can also be demanding, requiring investment in supply chains and regulatory systems.
In response, governments and development agencies are increasingly focusing on capacity-building measures, including access to finance, technology transfer and partnerships with foreign firms.
The zero-tariff policy reflects a growing trend toward South-South cooperation, where developing economies collaborate to expand trade and investment flows without relying solely on traditional Western markets.
If effectively implemented, the initiative could help shift Africa’s trade structure toward higher-value exports while strengthening economic linkages with China.
