Zero tariffs boost African exports to China

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Eight years after showcasing Kenyan avocados at the China International Import Expo, Tiku Shah is back in Shanghai with a bigger ambition: doubling his company's avocado shipments to China next year.

SHANGHAI — Eight years after showcasing Kenyan avocados at the China International Import Expo, Tiku Shah is back in Shanghai with a bigger ambition: doubling his company's avocado shipments to China next year.

For Shah, managing director of avocado exporter Sunripe, China's latest tariff cuts have given his expansion plans a boost.

On May 1, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, benefiting another 20 countries, including Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

Six months into the expansion, the CIIE — the world's largest import-themed expo — offered a glimpse of how African exporters are seeking to turn lower trade costs into bigger orders, new partnerships, and opportunities to expand production at home.

Since fresh Kenyan avocados gained access to China in 2022, Sunripe has steadily developed its export business. The company has shipped some 500 to 600 metric tons to China so far this year, and Shah sees the elimination of tariffs as a chance to reach more Chinese consumers.

"It makes our products cheaper and more affordable, so more Chinese people can enjoy them," he said.

Beyond lower tariffs, Shah cited shipping and customs clearance as advantages. He said shipments from Kenya take about 25 days to reach China by sea and can clear customs within a day of arrival.

Chinese fruit importer Joy Wing Mau has also seen tangible benefits. Huang Li, the company's head of brand communications for the Chinese market, said tariffs on South African citrus had fallen from 10 to 12 percent to zero since May, reducing import costs by about 10 percent.

Since the policy took effect, the company's imports of South African citrus have risen 50 percent year-on-year. "The policy has encouraged more businesses to explore the Chinese market and generated more purchase orders," Huang said.

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