South Africa's bilateral trade with China reached almost $15 billion from May through August, a nearly 24% year-on-year rise, after Beijing introduced a temporary zero-tariff deal for qualifying African exports. China's ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, said exports to China rose almost 25% to $5.3 billion while imports from China increased 23% to $9.47 billion. Agricultural exports to China reached nearly $500 million, up more than 35%. Trade Minister Parks Tau urged South African businesses to use the duty-free access while the government negotiates long-term certainty, as Pretoria hedges against possible exclusion from AGOA, which Washington has extended until 2028.
According to africanews.com, South Africa’s bilateral trade with China climbed to almost $15 billion between May and August, a nearly 24% year-on-year increase, after Beijing introduced a temporary zero-tariff arrangement for qualifying African exports.
The surge was detailed by China’s ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, who briefed reporters on Thursday. He said South African exports to China rose almost 25% to $5.3 billion, while imports from China grew 23% to $9.47 billion over the same period.
Agricultural goods accounted for a notable share of the export gains. South Africa’s farm exports to China reached nearly $500 million during the four-month window, up more than 35% year-on-year, according to the figures cited at the briefing.
Pretoria pushes exporters to use duty-free access
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau used the briefing to urge South African firms to move quickly on the opening, describing duty-free entry to the Chinese market as an opportunity businesses should seize.
Tau said companies should expand their presence in China while the government continues negotiations aimed at securing long-term certainty for exporters and shielding domestic industries from the effects of the arrangement.
“They should take advantage of duty-free access to the Chinese market while the government continues negotiations to provide long-term certainty for exporters and protect local industries.” — Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Washington ties shadow AGOA access
The push into the Chinese market comes as South Africa’s relationship with the United States worsens. Increasing exports to China forms part of Pretoria’s strategy to develop new markets in the face of potential trade barriers from Washington.
While the US has extended the duty-free African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, South Africa risks being excluded from the programme. US President Donald Trump has criticised several of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.
Washington has also claimed the South African government is persecuting white Afrikaners, an accusation the government denies. The dispute adds uncertainty for South African exporters that have long relied on AGOA preferences for access to the US market.
Source: africanews.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
