A container truck, transporting the first batch of imports under the expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations, enters Shenzhenwan Port at midnight in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

SHENZHEN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At the stroke of midnight, 24 tonnes of South African apples became the first batch of imports to enter China under a landmark initiative, as China expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This policy took effect from May 1.

The shipment, cleared swiftly by Shenzhen customs officers in the early hours of Friday, is bound for supermarkets and wholesale markets across the country. For these South African apples, the tariff rate plunged from 10 percent to zero, strengthening their price competitiveness in the Chinese market.

Effective Dec. 1, 2024, China implemented zero-tariff treatment for the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, including 33 least-developed African countries.

The new zero-tariff move is another major step that will inject robust momentum into China-Africa trade and investment cooperation and Africa's development. ■

Customs officers inspect imported apples to be cleared under the expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations at night at Shenzhenwan Port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Customs officers inspect imported apples to be cleared under the expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations at night at Shenzhenwan Port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

A container truck, transporting the first batch of imports under the expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations, enters Shenzhenwan Port at midnight in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)