China Grants Zero-Tariff Access to Zambian Macadamias

On March 31, China and Zambia signed a new trade agreement allowing zero-tariff imports of Zambian macadamia nuts into China. The signing ceremony was attended by Wang Sheng, chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri.

Wang noted that in addition to this deal and a previous agreement covering Zambian blueberry exports, both countries are actively discussing further agricultural trade, including dried chili powder and avocados.

This latest move stems from a commitment made last September at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation in Beijing, where China pledged to eliminate tariffs on all products across official tariff categories from the least developed countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations — including Zambia.

Zambia’s macadamia nut industry, although small, is expanding rapidly. Most of the country’s production comes from large commercial farms. In 2023, Zambia harvested approximately 2,000 metric tons of in-shell macadamia nuts, with around 95% destined for export.

Based on current export growth trends and the volume of nursery tree imports from South Africa, Zambia’s macadamia production is anticipated to rise significantly over the next few years. Output is expected to reach 6,000–7,000 metric tons by 2028 and could approach 10,000 metric tons by 2030.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.