Ningbo firms tap Africa's zero-tariff edge

Ningbo is moving early to seize the benefits of China's upcoming zero-tariff policy for Africa, which will take effect on May 1 and cover 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. Local foreign trade firms have already begun adjusting their strategies to expand imports and optimize supply chains.

According to Ningbo Customs, the city's total trade with Africa reached 23.9 billion yuan ($3.50 billion) in the first quarter, up 20.1 percent year-on-year. Exports rose 17.5 percent to 13.45 billion yuan, while imports jumped 23.6 percent to 10.45 billion yuan.

Imports of raw materials have been a key driver. Ningbo Dongjun Ruidi Metal Materials, for instance, recently cleared its sixth batch of brass ingots from Morocco this year. The company sources materials such as copper and zinc from countries including South Africa and Nigeria, benefiting from stable supply and high quality.

In the first quarter, Ningbo's imports of unwrought copper and copper products from Africa surged 47.5 percent to 7.11 billion yuan. With zero tariffs, firms expect costs to drop significantly - by about 600 yuan per metric ton - encouraging further expansion.

Meanwhile, companies are refining their product strategies. Ningbo Beiyuan Technology, an importer of green coffee beans, plans to diversify sourcing and bring in more premium beans to meet growing demand.

On the export side, deeper China-Africa industrial cooperation is boosting growth. Ningbo-based firms are combining product exports with overseas capacity building.