China’s zero-tariff policy is creating new opportunities for Senegalese exporters, but businesses continue to face financing, production, certification and market-access challenges.
Former Senegalese Economy Minister Oulimata Sarr said on August 25 that small and medium-sized enterprises must be able to finance large orders, comply with Chinese standards and understand their target customers before expanding production.
Senegalese companies, including Zena Exotic Fruits and the Senegalese Condiment Company, are exploring entry into China’s market. However, they require clearer information on food-safety testing, registration, trademark protection and sanitary procedures. Some laboratory tests must currently be conducted in France or Spain, increasing costs and delays.
Officials stressed that eliminating tariffs did not automatically guarantee market access, as exporters must still satisfy rules of origin, sanitary controls and other regulatory requirements.
Trade figures nevertheless show significant growth. In the first half of 2026, China imported $34.63 million worth of Senegalese groundnuts, an increase of 169 per cent year on year. Imports of Senegalese groundnut oil rose by 312.9 per cent to $21.43 million.
Senegal produced more than 969,000 tonnes of groundnuts during the previous season but struggled to sell the entire harvest because of marketing and compliance difficulties.
A new Senegalese international trade data platform was launched during the meeting to provide businesses with information on consumer trends and import requirements. Chinese Ambassador Li Zhigang also announced training programmes on market access and support for Senegalese companies attending trade fairs in China.