Implementing zero tariff measures for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, Shanghai Customs Zone benefits imported goods worth over 1.2 billion yuan in two months

China has fully implemented zero tariff measures for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations for two months, and the effectiveness of these measures has been fully demonstrated in the Shanghai Customs District. During this period, Shanghai Customs District imported goods worth over 1.2 billion yuan from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, with a tax reduction of 120 million yuan. Among them, the value of imported goods under the zero tariff policy for 20 non least developed African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China is about 590 million yuan, with a tax reduction of about 70 million yuan.

Since the implementation of the measures, the import trade of African characteristic agricultural products in Shanghai Customs District has steadily increased. As of now, the value of fruit imported from Africa under zero customs duties in the customs area is 13.66 million yuan, with a tax reduction of 1.72 million yuan. On June 23rd, a batch of South African grapefruits and Egyptian fresh oranges were quickly released and cleared by Yangshan Customs under Shanghai Customs. According to Zhang Wenjun, the head of an import company, African fresh fruits are a key import category in recent times. After the implementation of zero tariff measures, the cost of importing fruits per container has been reduced by about 17%. Coupled with customs facilitation measures, the logistics cycle has been effectively compressed, further stabilizing the supply of African fresh fruits to China.

The synchronized release of growth momentum in China Africa flower trade. As the main import port for fresh cut flowers from Africa in China, after the implementation of the measures, Shanghai Customs District will enjoy a preferential value of 420000 yuan for fresh flower imports under zero customs duties in Africa, with a tax reduction of 50000 yuan. In response to the high requirements for freshness preservation and seasonal concentration of fresh cut flowers, Chen Shuqi, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Business Department of the Customs Comprehensive Business Department at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, introduced that the port has specially formulated differentiated customs clearance plans, dynamically allocated customs clearance forces during holidays and weekends, and regularly opened a 7 × 24-hour green channel for fresh goods to ensure fast customs clearance and high-quality entry of African fresh cut flowers into the market, continuously activating the domestic flower consumption market.

In addition to specialty agricultural products, the benefits of importing industrial components are gradually emerging. Relying on the full coverage of zero tariff measures, enterprises in the jurisdiction actively expand their import business in Africa. Companies such as Taike Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. have already started zero tariff import business of electronic components in Morocco. Under the compliance guidance of the General Administration of Customs Tax Management Bureau (Shanghai), enterprises can accurately grasp the agreement rules and visa requirements, and the tariff rate of compliant imported goods can be reduced by 6.5% -10%. Coupled with facilitation measures such as Shanghai Customs' guarantee release, the clearance efficiency has been significantly improved, and the tax reduction dividends have been quickly realized.

The implementation of the zero tariff measure has effectively expanded the channels for high-quality products with African characteristics to be exported to China, and deepened China Africa trade exchanges. The Shanghai Customs District will continue to promote mutual benefit and win-win trade between China and Africa through efficient regulatory services, consolidate the industrial and trade foundation of China Africa economic and trade cooperation in the new era, and build a community with a shared future for China and Africa.