Somalia, China sign duty-free deal for Somali fish exports

Wednesday July 15, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia and China have signed an agreement allowing Somali fishery products to be exported to Chinese markets duty-free, officials said.

The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, and Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu.

Ahmed said the deal marks the first time Somali fishery products have officially gained access to the Chinese market with duty-free benefits.

“This is the first time that Somali fishery products have officially gained access to the Chinese market by benefiting from duty-free access, which is expected to increase competitiveness and export opportunities for Somali fishermen and traders,” the minister said.

Ahmed emphasized the agreement would strengthen economic ties between Somalia and China and create new investment and cooperation opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Wang said the agreement would facilitate trade between the two countries and promote economic cooperation and commercial exchange.

Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries described the agreement as a step toward boosting exports, supporting development of the blue economy and creating jobs.

China has expanded its zero-tariff policy to cover all tariff lines for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. The policy removes previous import tariffs ranging from 8% to 30%, though non-tariff barriers and standard rules of origin still apply.

Somalia, which has Africa’s longest mainland coastline along the Indian Ocean, is widely seen as having significant untapped potential in fisheries.

The new market access could support Somalia’s efforts to develop its blue economy and expand exports.

At Mogadishu’s main fish market, traders and fishermen say daily catches of tuna, mackerel and lobster are already substantial, but limited cold storage and export infrastructure continue to constrain growth.