China Implements 2026 Tariff Plan to Boost Tech, Green Growth, LDC Trade

China has officially implemented its 2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan, issued by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, effective from 1 January 2026. The plan introduces multiple tariff adjustments, including provisional import duty rates on 935 items and the continued application of zero-tariff treatment across all tariff lines for 43 least developed countries (LDCs).

According to the announcement, the adjustment is designed to enhance synergies between domestic and international markets and resources. The measures focus on three key areas. First, to promote high-level technological self-reliance, China will reduce import tariffs on critical components and advanced materials, including CNC hydraulic cushions for presses and special-shaped composite contact strips. Second, to advance the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, tariffs will be lowered on resource-based commodities such as recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries and unroasted pyrite. Third, to strengthen protection of public welfare and improve quality of life, import tariffs will be reduced on medical products including artificial blood vessels and diagnostic kits for certain infectious diseases.

At the same time, in response to industrial development trends and changes in supply-demand dynamics, provisional import tariffs on certain products including micro motors, printing machines, and sulphuric acid will be cancelled, with most-favoured-nation (MFN) rates reinstated.

To further support scientific and technological progress, China will add new domestic tariff subheadings in 2026 for items such as intelligent bionic robots, bio-aviation kerosene, and wild ginseng. Following these adjustments, the total number of tariff schedule entries will reach 8,972.

In external economic and trade cooperation, China will continue to apply agreement tariff rates in 2026 for some imports originating from 34 trading partners under existing free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements. Meanwhile, to promote cooperation with LDCs, China will maintain zero-tariff treatment across 100% of tariff lines for 43 LDCs with which it has diplomatic relations. Preferential tariff rates will also continue to apply to certain imports from Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

These preferential arrangements include agreement tariff rates, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) rates, and special preferential tariff treatment for LDCs. China has already granted zero-duty preferences on 100% of tariff lines for eligible LDCs that maintain diplomatic relations with China. Importers sourcing goods from LDCs in Africa, Asia, and other regions are required to obtain official certificates of origin to ensure eligibility for preferential treatment.

China currently grants zero-duty treatment on all tariff lines to 43 LDCs, including 33 countries in Africa (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Djibouti, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia), 8 countries in Asia (Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Yemen), and 2 countries in Oceania (Kiribati, Solomon Islands).