Somalia to begin duty-free fish exports to China next month

Monday August 17, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is expected to begin exporting fish to China next month after the two countries signed an agreement allowing Somali fisheries products to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

The agreement was recently signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy and China’s ambassador to Somalia, paving the way for Somali traders to access one of the world’s largest seafood markets.

Abdi Dirshe, director general of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, described the agreement as an important step toward developing Somalia’s blue economy and expanding the country’s fisheries sector.

He said access to the Chinese market could create jobs and encourage investment in cold-storage facilities, fish processing and supply chains.

China introduced a zero-tariff policy on May 1, 2026, providing duty-free access to imports from 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. The policy, announced by President Xi Jinping, is scheduled to remain in effect through April 30, 2028.

For Somalia, however, taking advantage of the new market will require overcoming significant challenges, including limited fish production, inadequate large-scale processing facilities and the need to meet international food safety and quality standards.

The country’s fisheries sector has considerable potential because of Somalia’s long coastline and rich marine resources, but limited infrastructure has constrained commercial fishing and exports.

Somali businesspeople have welcomed the agreement as an opportunity to expand the country’s fisheries industry, develop an international market for Somali seafood and attract investment in processing and storage facilities.

The government hopes increased access to the Chinese market will help transform fisheries into a larger source of jobs, exports and economic growth.