In a significant move to bolster trade ties and diversify its agricultural imports, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) has announced that coffee beans from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China will be allowed into the market starting July 20, 2026.
For many African nations, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a signature agricultural product and a pillar of their economic stability. This new policy makes coffee the second African agricultural product to obtain full quarantine access to the Chinese market, following the path previously paved by dried chilies.
While countries such as Ethiopia and Burundi have already secured access, several other nations—including Angola, Mauritius, Togo, Guinea, Liberia, and Sao Tome and Principe—have already filed their export applications to take advantage of this upcoming opening.
One of the most notable aspects of this announcement is the streamlined approach to bureaucracy. After a comprehensive assessment of production systems and pest risk control frameworks across the continent, the GAC has implemented unified phytosanitary requirements. This replaces the previous, more cumbersome practice of negotiating separate bilateral quarantine agreements with every individual applicant country, significantly speeding up the process for exporters.
However, industry experts remind exporters that full quarantine access does not mean a free pass at the border. All shipments must still strictly comply with the requirements outlined in GAC Announcement No. 68 of 2026 to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
Looking ahead, the GAC has expressed its commitment to continuing the implementation of upgraded "green channel" facilitation measures. This initiative aims to bring an even wider array of high-quality, safe African agricultural and food products to consumers on the Chinese mainland, further strengthening the economic synergy between the two regions.
Reference(s):
China to grant market access to coffee beans from 53 African countries
cgtn.com
