China's duty-free access to Africa set to boost exports, says Zimbabwean expert

HARARE, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China's zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries will offer transformative opportunities for African exporters, a Zimbabwean expert has said.

Speaking to Xinhua on Friday, Zimbabwean economic analyst and political commentator Dereck Goto said the policy represents a significant structural shift in the trade relationship between China and African economies.

"For countries such as Zimbabwe, the implications are potentially transformative. It will increase the competitiveness of Zimbabwean exports such as horticultural products in the Chinese market," Goto said.

China announced in February that it will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, starting from May 1.

Goto said the policy also creates incentives for production expansion and diversification. Zimbabwean exporters will be able to price their goods more competitively against suppliers from other regions.

According to Goto, the policy aligns with China's broader engagement framework with Africa under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

"Over the past two decades, that framework has steadily shifted toward trade, industrialization support and infrastructure development. Duty-free access complements infrastructure corridors, logistics projects and industrial parks already developed through China-Africa cooperation," he said.

"Zimbabwe must ensure supply-side readiness. Exporters must meet Chinese phytosanitary standards, quality requirements and logistical demands. Without coordinated industrial policy and export support, the opportunity could remain underutilized," he added.

Goto also said China's latest decision carries broader geopolitical significance. By granting zero-tariff access across the continent, China is reinforcing its position as a partner of the Global South, offering trade-based development pathways.

"In short, for Zimbabwe and other African partners, the zero-tariff policy is more than a symbolic gesture. It is an invitation to deepen industrial capacity, expand exports and integrate more firmly into one of the largest markets in the global economy. The decisive factor will now be how effectively African producers organize themselves to seize the opportunity," he added. ■