In the first nine months of this year, China-Africa trade reached $312.11 billion, up 22% year-on-year. Behind the growth, more and more distinctive African products are entering daily life in China, giving consumers more choices.
At the Beijing Flower Trading Center, visitors are greeted by king proteas and fireworks chrysanthemums from Africa. From fresh flowers to coffee beans, all kinds of African imports have become part of Chinese life.
Many customers are selecting imported flowers. After China's zero-tariff policy for African countries took effect in May, African flowers gained a new cost advantage in the domestic market. Shop owners say lower costs have allowed them to expand purchasing and import many new varieties. 'Imported flowers have their own character — the shapes and quality are different. So many varieties now that I can't even recognize them all,' one shopper said.
From vase to table, more African specialty products are enriching Chinese consumers' choices. Since May 1, China has applied 100% zero tariffs on all tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, and a large batch of African specialties has crossed oceans into the Chinese market. From May to September, imports of African peanuts, frozen strawberries and avocados grew 4.4 times, 113% and 82% year-on-year respectively. China has become Egypt's largest frozen strawberry export market, and 90% of South Africa's pecan exports go to China.
Liu Yu, head of the West Asian and African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Commerce, said both sides benefit broadly: African products enrich domestic market supply — 70% of China's sesame imports and 40% of its coffee come from Africa, and African pomelos and apples meet demand for off-season fresh fruit — while African people also gain tangible benefits.
