BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China has now granted zero-tariff policies for 63 countries, a customs official said on Wednesday, as the country moves to further expand high-standard opening up.

An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2026 shows containers at an industrial hub in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Xinhua)

The customs authority will continue to expand diversified markets during the 2026-2030 period, Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), told a press conference.

In May, China began implementing an expanded zero-tariff treatment on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

To facilitate the policy, the GAC has introduced measures including risk-based customs management, integrated market access procedures and expanded green channels for agricultural and food products, according to Sun. In the first half of 2026, China's trade with Africa increased 19.6 percent year on year.

Looking ahead, Sun said the customs authority will advance the implementation of opening-up measures and high-standard trade agreements, and improve alignment in customs procedures, quarantine and rules of origin.