SHENZHEN -- 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.