South Africa’s trade with China has climbed nearly 24 per cent year-on-year to almost $15 billion following Beijing’s introduction of temporary zero-tariff access for qualifying African exports, strengthening Pretoria’s efforts to diversify its export markets.
The increase between May and August has reinforced China’s position as a key trading partner for South Africa as the country faces uncertainty over its trade relationship with the United States.
China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, disclosed the figures on Thursday, saying South African exports to China rose nearly 25 per cent to $5.3 billion, while imports from the Asian country increased 23 per cent to $9.47 billion.
Agricultural exports recorded particularly strong growth, reaching nearly $500 million during the period, an increase of more than 35 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.
The figures highlight the potential benefits of Beijing’s tariff initiative for South African producers seeking greater access to the Chinese market.
South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, urged local businesses to take advantage of the duty-free arrangement to expand exports and establish stronger commercial relationships with Chinese buyers.
He said the government would continue negotiations to secure longer-term certainty for exporters while ensuring that increased trade did not undermine domestic industries.
The growing commercial relationship comes as Pretoria seeks alternative markets amid tensions with Washington over South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.
Although the United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries with preferential access to the American market, until 2028, South Africa faces uncertainty over whether it will continue to benefit from the programme.
US President Donald Trump has criticised several South African government policies, while his administration has alleged that white Afrikaners face persecution in the country. The South African government has rejected the accusation.
Against this backdrop, stronger trade with China offers South African exporters an opportunity to broaden their international market presence and reduce dependence on traditional trading partners.
However, the latest figures also show that South Africa continues to import substantially more from China than it exports, underscoring the challenge of achieving a more balanced trading relationship.
The government’s push to expand exports, particularly agricultural produce, will therefore be important in determining whether the zero-tariff arrangement can deliver sustained benefits for local businesses and the wider economy.
