China’s new zero-tariff policy for African countries is already triggering a surge in trade, with Nigerian exports among the biggest beneficiaries, according to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yan Yuqing.

Speaking at a seminar in Lagos on Wednesday, Yan said the policy, which grants duty-free access to a range of African products entering the Chinese market, has begun delivering measurable results just months after its introduction.

The seminar, organised by the Centre for China Studies (CCS) in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), examined the implications of the policy for Africa’s economic transformation.

According to the Chinese envoy, imports from Africa have risen significantly since the initiative took effect, reaching RMB193.8 billion in May and June alone.

Nigeria, she noted, has emerged as one of the standout performers.

Yan disclosed that bilateral trade between both countries climbed to $18 billion, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria jumped by 80 per cent to $2.3 billion.

She described the policy as part of Beijing’s broader effort to expand access to its vast consumer market and support economic growth across the African continent.

The envoy highlighted several Nigerian products already benefiting from the tariff waivers, including sesame seeds, cattle bone granules and liquefied propane gas.

According to her, exporters are recording substantial savings as duties ranging from three to 10 per cent have been eliminated.

She explained that every 100 tonnes of sesame exported to China now saves exporters about $11,000 in costs, while Nigeria’s annual export of cattle bone granules saves nearly $450,000. A single shipment of 23,000 tonnes of liquefied propane, she added, generated tax savings of approximately $300,000 immediately after the policy came into force.

Yan said China plans to further strengthen the initiative through measures such as dedicated export channels, commodity exhibition platforms and expanded cross-border e-commerce opportunities to make it easier for African products to enter the Chinese market.

Despite the encouraging figures, she cautioned that market access alone would not automatically translate into long-term gains.

According to her, Nigeria must help local businesses meet China's quality, inspection and certification requirements if exporters are to maximise the benefits of the policy.

Experts at the seminar also stressed that the opportunity could become transformative—or be wasted—depending on how African countries respond.

Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said the policy comes at a time when many countries are embracing protectionist trade measures and imposing new tariffs.

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While welcoming the development, he urged African policymakers to critically assess whether the arrangement would genuinely promote industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

Osaghae argued that lessons from previous trade agreements should guide current decisions to ensure the continent secures lasting benefits rather than short-term gains.

Similarly, Director of the Centre for China Studies, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, described the tariff-free access as a valuable opening rather than a guaranteed success story.

He warned that the outcome would depend largely on the readiness of governments and businesses to strengthen production capacity and competitiveness.

Onunaiju advocated restructuring Nigeria’s economic landscape into stronger geo-economic zones capable of competing through production, manufacturing and wealth creation. He also called for improved logistics, easier access to financing, efficient customs procedures and stronger institutions.

According to him, Africa risks missing a historic opportunity if it continues exporting raw materials without investing in value addition and industrial processing.

A Senior Fellow at the NIIA, Prof. Femi Otubanjo, echoed similar concerns, saying Nigeria must diversify its economy and strengthen local industries if it hopes to benefit meaningfully from expanded access to the Chinese market.

He warned that countries that rely solely on exporting raw materials often remain vulnerable and fail to capture the full value of international trade.

Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Zone A, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, said the tariff-free regime presents a significant opening for Nigerian exporters but stressed that domestic reforms remain essential.

Aliyu noted that customs authorities must ensure legitimate exports move quickly and efficiently while maintaining revenue collection and national security responsibilities.

He urged Nigerian businesses and policymakers to view China not only as a destination for raw commodities but also as a potential market for finished Nigerian products.

However, he expressed concern over the high cost of production in Nigeria, warning that local manufacturers could still struggle to compete globally despite the tariff advantages.

According to him, reducing production and transportation costs will be critical if Nigerian products are to gain a stronger foothold in international markets.

As trade between China and Africa enters a new phase, experts agree that the real test lies ahead: whether Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw materials and position itself as a major producer of value-added goods for one of the world’s largest markets.