South Africa-China Trade Nears $15 Billion After Tariff Deal

Trade between South Africa and China reached almost $15 billion from May through August after Beijing introduced a temporary zero-tariff arrangement for qualifying African exports.

The figure represented an increase of nearly 24% year on year, according to information cited in the source report. South African agricultural exports to China also rose by more than 35% year on year to nearly $500 million during the period.

Exports and imports both increase

Wu Peng, China’s ambassador to South Africa, said South African exports to China climbed by nearly 25% to $5.3 billion. Imports from China increased by 23% to $9.47 billion.

The reported figures indicate that both sides recorded stronger trade flows after the tariff arrangement was introduced in May. The source does not specify the year covered by the May-to-August period, the deal’s end date or which products qualify for the tariff exemption.

South Africa has identified increased exports to China as part of a strategy to develop new markets. The approach comes as the country’s relationship with the United States worsens and potential trade barriers remain a concern.

Government seeks longer-term certainty

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau urged South African businesses to use the duty-free access available in the Chinese market.

Tau also said the South African government was continuing negotiations intended to provide exporters with longer-term certainty while protecting local industries. The source did not provide further details about the negotiations or their expected outcome.

The developments come as South Africa faces uncertainty over its access to the United States market. Washington has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as AGOA, until 2028, but South Africa risks being excluded from the programme.

US President Donald Trump has accused the South African government of persecuting white Afrikaners. The South African government denies the accusation. The claim remains an allegation and is not presented as an established fact.

Against that backdrop, stronger access to China provides South Africa with an additional export market, particularly for agricultural products. However, the available information does not specify how much of the reported trade increase resulted directly from the temporary tariff arrangement.