ADDIS ABABA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia eyes tapping into the massive horticultural market in China, taking advantage of the zero-tariff policy the Chinese government has granted for 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with the country, a senior expert said.
Tewodros Zewdie, executive director of Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association, said China's zero-tariff preferential treatment will significantly enhance Ethiopia's horticultural products export and strengthen its overall trading system.
"The Chinese market provides hundreds of millions of potential buyers for produce that is going from Africa, and it is one of the critical players in the horticulture industry, so it will help us expand our market destination and unlock the full potential of Ethiopia," Zewdie told Xinhua in an interview on Saturday.
Noting that there was insignificant export of horticultural products to China due to tariff-related issues, Zewdie said China's zero-tariff decision will give African countries, including Ethiopia, the opportunity to exploit the Chinese horticultural market of hundreds of millions of consumers.
"Fortunately, we do have Ethiopian Airlines, which is operating more than 40 flights per week to China. So logistics are already available. The market opportunities in China will help us boost the foreign currency gains, as well as to create decent employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Ethiopians in the country," he said.
The executive director noted that China's zero-tariff policy will also provide Ethiopia with a strong buffer against its suspension from the United States' trade privileges under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA is a non-reciprocal trade arrangement designed to support development in African countries by providing preferential access to U.S. markets. Since its enactment in 2000, it has been at the core of U.S. economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa, providing eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products.
The implementation of China's zero-tariff policy for the 53 African countries having diplomatic ties with Beijing will be effective starting from May 1, 2026, and is expected to boost export competitiveness of African countries.
