Venezuela and China Negotiate Zero-Tariff Deal at Expo Shanghai 2025

Nov 6, 2025 at 12:54 PM

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Lanka Leader

Venezuela and China are advancing negotiations toward a zero-tariff trade agreement covering at least 400 Venezuelan products, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Trade announced during Expo Shanghai 2025.

The Venezuelan delegation, led by Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Trade Coromoto Godoy, met with Venezuelan entrepreneurs to promote export diversification and deepen bilateral cooperation. Godoy told Venezolana de Televisión (VTV) that the talks aim to reach a partial trade agreement similar to the one previously signed with Türkiye.

“The goal is to establish a mutually beneficial zero-tariff framework that strengthens Venezuela’s exports while safeguarding national production,” Godoy said, adding that the agreement could be implemented by the first quarter of 2026.

The minister emphasized the strong ties between Presidents Nicolás Maduro and Xi Jinping, describing the meeting as “an expression of the strategic alliance” between the two nations. “Today, 42 Venezuelan companies are showcasing their export potential at this world-class fair,” she noted.

Venezuelan businessman Deivis Graterol highlighted that the initiative seeks to create a “commercial bridge” to enhance exports of products such as cocoa, coffee, and beans, which hold strong potential in the vast Chinese market.

The discussions follow a recent agreement signed on October 30 between the governments of Venezuela and China during the International Fisheries and Seafood Fair, aimed at promoting joint projects in fisheries and aquaculture.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that cooperation with Venezuela “constitutes normal collaboration between sovereign states and is not directed against any third party,” in response to international criticism over Caracas’ partnerships with China, Russia, and Iran.

Expo Shanghai 2025 has served as a key platform for Venezuela’s private sector to display its exportable products and explore new business opportunities, further strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties between Caracas and Beijing.