Ugandan coops stand to reap more from China’s zero-tariff policy for African products
China recently announced zero-tariff treatment for at least 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, effective from May 1
KAMPALA, May 13, 2026 — Leading Ugandan cooperatives exporting to China are excited about the Asian country’s new tariff policy that grants virtually duty-free access for African products into its market.
China recently announced zero-tariff treatment for at least 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, effective from May 1.
During the announcement, Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country is committed to providing new opportunities for the world through the achievements of Chinese modernisation and offering new impetus to Global South partners, including Africa, through its huge market.
In Uganda, a number of commodities, mainly agricultural produce, will continue to enjoy free access to the vast Chinese market. Uganda exports a wide range of agricultural products to China, including coffee, cocoa, chilli, ginger, several fruits, Hass avocados, and an assortment of horticultural and floricultural products, among others.
Zinkedde Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Zirobwe, Luwero district, exports Hass avocados to China. According to its General Manager John Cliff Lutaaya, the cooperative bulk-handles at least two tonnes of the product for export to the Asian economic giant every eight weeks, with volumes varying depending on the season and demand.
Lutaaya says trading with China requires professionalism and strict adherence to standards and quality measures.
“To maintain our clientele, we ensure that we always supply products of high standards because it is not only a requirement, but also a commitment we made,” he said.
Masaka Cooperative Union is among the few coffee exporters to the Chinese market. With access to the country now becoming less restrictive, the cooperative is positioned to earn significantly more.
The union’s general manager, Kavuma Francis, said the announcement of zero tariffs for African products could be a turning point, especially if it comes with well-intentioned mutual benefits.
“Well, as a union, we are excited to benefit from this opportunity. It will also challenge us to produce the quality demanded in the market. Our farmers should now know that there is a market available, but we must meet the required standards,” he said.
At a time when globalisation is being battered by protectionism, such moves by China could define genuine trading partnerships built on conviction and mutual benefit.
“In an increasingly uncertain global trade environment, the biggest advantage of the new Chinese policy for Africa is not short-term profit, but long-term predictability,” said Tutus Magyezi, general manager of Color Plus Limited, which exports chilli and other fruits to China.
He added that the policy would provide a ready and reliable market for products from African countries, encourage African companies and farmers to increase productivity, and bring foreign exchange into African economies.
“It adds a lot of trade security, especially from a supply point of view as well as from a demand point of view, because it creates a stronger bond between Africa and China,” he said.
The zero-tariff policy marks another key step in advancing industrial partnerships between China and Africa, and it is also expected to help the continent move up the global value chain.
During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held last year in Beijing, partners made commitments and produced a joint action plan explicitly committing China to “supporting Africa in developing local value chains, manufacturing and deep processing of critical minerals”.
The head of Trade and Cooperatives in Buganda Kingdom, Mulindwa Wamala, pointed out that African farmers have an opportunity to maximise gains, but challenged exporting companies to tighten standards compliance.
“Penetrating the Chinese market through tariff-free access is important, but with such an opportunity, exporting companies ought to observe strict standards. Such markets demand the very best, and you do not want to be blacklisted as a country,” he added.
Wamala said the kingdom has prioritised standards among all agricultural cooperatives under its patronage to ensure their produce remains competitive on the market.
“The Kabaka directed that we ensure farmers implement the right agronomic practices and maintain standards at all stages of production in order to produce quality products for the market,” Wamala stressed.
Before the zero-tariff announcement, China had already made significant efforts to remove other non-tariff barriers in its trade with Africa, including expanding sanitary and phytosanitary agreements, which widened the “green lanes” for African agricultural exports to China.
In several African countries, including Kenya, avocados and macadamia nuts have been transported efficiently by rail to Chinese markets, raising farmers’ incomes while driving investment in cold-chain logistics and related industries.
In Rwanda, Chinese-supported cold storage and drying facilities have enabled premium dried chillies to reach consumers in China, opening new opportunities for local growers.
In 2025, China-Africa trade reached a record US$ 348 billion, with imports amounting to US$ 123 billion.
https://thecooperator.news/chinas-cooperatives-report-strong-sales-growth-from-2021-2025/
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