Trade between South Africa and China rose by nearly 24% year-on-year to almost $15 billion between May and August, following Beijing’s introduction of temporary zero-tariff access for qualifying African exports. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said on Thursday that South African exports to China increased by nearly 25% to $5.3 billion, while imports from China climbed 23% to $9.47 billion. Agricultural exports from South Africa to China also recorded strong growth, reaching nearly $500 million during the period, an increase of more than 35% compared with the same period last year.
The growth comes as South Africa seeks to diversify its export markets amid strained relations with the United States and uncertainty over future trade access. South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau urged local businesses to take advantage of China’s preferential market access. He said the government would continue negotiating arrangements to provide exporters with long-term certainty while protecting domestic industries. The tariff initiative forms part of China’s wider effort to expand trade with African countries. However, the benefits for South African exporters depend on which products qualify and the terms of the arrangement.
South Africa also faces uncertainty over its participation in the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for many products. Although the programme has been extended until 2028, South Africa could face exclusion. US President Donald Trump has criticized several South African domestic and foreign policies. His administration has also alleged that white Afrikaners face persecution, a claim the South African government rejects. With trade tensions creating uncertainty in some traditional markets, stronger commercial ties with China could offer South African exporters additional opportunities, although the country’s overall trade balance and reliance on imports remain important considerations.
