South Africa’s bilateral trade with China has surged following Beijing’s introduction in May of a temporary zero-tariff deal for qualifying African exports.
Commerce between the two countries reached almost US$15 billion from then through to August, representing a nearly 24 percent year-on-year increase.
China’s Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said on Thursday that exports to China rose by nearly 25 percent to US$5,3 billion while imports from China increased by 23 percent to US$9,47 billion. South Africa’s agricultural exports to China reached nearly US$500 million during the period, up by more than 35 percent year-on-year. Increasing exports to China is part of South Africa’s strategy to develop new markets as it faces a worsening relationship with the United States and potential trade barriers.
Speaking at the briefing, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau urged South African businesses to take advantage of duty-free access to the Chinese market.
He said they should do this while the government continued negotiations aimed at providing long-term certainty for exporters and protecting local industries.
While Washington has extended the duty-free African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, South Africa risks being excluded.
US President Donald Trump has taken issue with a number of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies. He has also claimed the government is persecuting white Afrikaners, an accusation the government denies. — Wires
