China’s imports from Africa rose by 23.3% year‑on‑year by the end of September 2026, while exports to the continent increased by 23.9%. The growth follows the implementation of a zero‑tariff policy for eligible products from 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations, including Ghana.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, announced the figures at the High‑Level Ghana–China Zero‑Tariff Forum 2026, held at the Africa Trade House in Accra. He noted that China–Africa trade reached US$348 billion in 2025, a 17.7% increase from the previous year.
The zero‑tariff measure, effective from 1 May 2026, removes duties on a range of Ghanaian exports such as cocoa, cashew, shea butter, textiles and handicrafts. Cong said that some Ghanaian cocoa products had previously faced tariffs between 8% and 22% in China.
He urged African countries to identify priority products, address institutional bottlenecks and align domestic production with Chinese standards to convert the policy into tangible export growth. Forum participants highlighted the need to strengthen production capacity, standards compliance, certification, export financing, logistics and links with credible Chinese buyers.
The forum, co‑hosted by the Africa‑China Centre for Policy and Advisory and CEIBS Africa with support from Prudential Bank Ghana Limited, drew about 200 participants from government, business, finance, diplomacy, development partners, academia, trade‑support agencies and the media.
Looking ahead, the zero‑tariff policy is expected to boost investment in manufacturing, create employment and support farmers and small businesses across Africa.
