Liberia-China Trade: Zero-Tariff Policy Boosts Bilateral Exchange

Trade between Liberia and China surged 16 percent year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching a new high as the two countries deepen their strategic partnership and expand efforts to increase Liberian exports to the Chinese market. Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in Liberia, Fan Erwei, disclosed the latest trade performance Tuesday, September 29, 2026, during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Fan attributed the increase in bilateral trade to China's full implementation of zero-tariff treatment for Liberian products, describing the development as part of what he characterized as "robust growth and fruitful outcomes" in China-Liberia relations. "Thanks to China's full implementation of zero-tariff treatment for Liberia products, bilateral trade in goods reached a new high in the first seven months of this year, registering a year-on-year increase of 16%," Fan said. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines The Chinese diplomat also disclosed that Liberia's first batch of dried chili peppers for export to China had been successfully harvested, marking a new development in efforts to expand Liberia's agricultural exports to the Chinese market. China has extended zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing, as part of measures announced under the China-Africa cooperation framework. The trade development comes two years after Liberia and China elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during a September 2024 meeting between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing. China's Foreign Ministry says the two leaders announced the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership and agreed to deepen practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, maritime transport and other areas. Fan said the stronger economic relationship is being accompanied by continued political cooperation. He noted that Liberia has officially signed the International Organization for Mediation Convention and has "consistently and firmly upheld the One China principle and provided strong support to China on multilateral issues." He added that China has "actively supported Liberia in fulfilling its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council." Fan said practical cooperation between the two countries has also continued to produce results, pointing to several China-supported development projects in Liberia. "The construction of two overpass bridges on Tubman Blvd is progressing smoothly," he said. "The National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory is nearing completion. The LBS building has been completed and handed over, and the first batch of modern agricultural machines provided with China's assistance has arrived in Liberia." "I am confident that these China-aid projects will inject impetus into Liberia's development and revitalization. And further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries," Fan added. He said China stands ready to deepen the strategic partnership with Liberia and expand practical cooperation across various sectors. "We stand ready to work together with friends from different sectors in Liberia to further advance the China-Liberia strategic partnership, deepen practical cooperation in various areas," Fan said. The Chinese diplomat said the two countries could bring "more fresh impetus and fruitful outcomes" to their relations and "together open up an even brighter future." Also speaking at the ceremony, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ethel Davis said Liberia welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation with China but wants the relationship to translate into increased productive capacity, investment, jobs and market opportunities for Liberian businesses. Speaking on behalf of Presid