Yiwu Zero-Tariff Fast Lane Boosts Africa Imports 103.7% in 9 Months

Since China implemented zero tariffs for 53 African diplomatic nations on May 1, Yiwu has become a gateway for African goods into China and a redistribution hub for re-export, People's Daily reported. In the first nine months of 2026, Yiwu's imports from Africa reached 13.77 billion yuan, up 103.7% year on year. From policy launch through end-September, Yiwu customs accepted 665 preferential declarations from Africa worth 555 million yuan, cutting 145 million yuan in duties. Senegalese raffia hats, Madagascar crafts, Kenyan woodcarvings, South African pecans and Ethiopian coffee beans have become staples in Chinese shopping carts, while Ethiopian green coffee beans enter via the Yiwu comprehensive bonded zone for bonded storage and roasting before reaching domestic or third-country markets.

Source: People's Daily, Nov 9, 2026 | 2026-11-09