Senegal is racing to convert China’s zero-tariff policy into real exports of processed goods, not raw materials.
Officials and business leaders warned this week that scrapping tariffs alone cannot guarantee entry into China’s vast market.
Fruit processor Zena Exotic Fruits, which already sells to the United States, must ship test samples to European labs before it can even approach Chinese buyers.
Senegal’s groundnut trade shows both promise and strain, with China buying 34.63 million dollars worth in the first half of 2026, up 169 percent.
Groundnut oil exports surged even faster, jumping 312.9 percent, yet farmers last season still could not sell their entire harvest.
Fisheries officials called for more local processing so value is captured at home rather than exported raw.
Chinese Ambassador Li Zhigang promised training programs and trade fair support to help Senegalese firms cross that threshold.