Ningbo sees 11.6% growth in African imports in first month of zero-tariff policy

Jibaili Coffee Food (Ningbo) processes coffee beans. [Photo provided by Jibaili Coffee Food (Ningbo)]

After China introduced a zero-tariff policy on May 1 for imports from 53 African countries with which the country has diplomatic ties, Ningbo has reported strong growth in trade with the continent.

According to Ningbo Customs, the city's trade with these African countries reached 8.58 billion yuan ($1.26 billion) in May, up 10.6 percent year-on-year. Imports climbed 11.6 percent to 3.48 billion yuan, while exports rose 9.9 percent to 5.1 billion yuan.

The new policy has boosted imports of African coffee beans, cashew kernels, grapefruit, copper products, and mineral ores.

For local coffee processor Jibaili Coffee Food (Ningbo), lower tariffs and faster customs clearance have reduced procurement costs and ensured a more stable supply of premium African coffee beans. The company expects imports of these items from Africa to grow by more than 10 percent in the second half of the year.

African agricultural products are also gaining momentum. A recent shipment of cashew kernels from Cote d'Ivoire saved importers nearly 97,000 yuan in tariffs, while imported African citrus products have become increasingly popular in China's retail and catering markets. Some companies are already exploring importing Kenyan avocados.

Ningbo Customs handled 113 bonded-release shipments from African countries in May, covering goods worth 1.68 billion yuan.