SA Welcomes China’s Zero-Tariff Trade Scheme as Major Boost for Exports and Industrial Growth

South Africa is set to gain expanded access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets after the Government of the People’s Republic of China announced a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for 20 non-least developed African countries, including South Africa.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant opportunity to boost South African exports, deepen economic ties with China and accelerate industrial development through expanded market access.

The new preference scheme follows an announcement made by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026, in which China committed to implementing zero-tariff treatment for African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

The move is being viewed as one of the most significant trade facilitation measures emerging from recent China-Africa economic cooperation initiatives, including the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024.

Zero Tariffs for South African Goods Until 2028

Under the scheme, qualifying South African goods exported to China between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2028 will benefit from zero customs duties, provided exporters comply with the required tariff schedules and rules of origin.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said the arrangement creates a major opportunity for South African businesses to increase competitiveness within the Chinese market by lowering export costs and improving price advantages.

Officials say the initiative is expected to support growth across multiple export sectors, including:

• Agriculture

• Manufacturing

• Agro-processing

• Mining beneficiation

• Industrial products

• Value-added exports

Trade analysts believe the agreement could help South Africa diversify export destinations and reduce vulnerability to global trade disruptions and slowing demand in traditional markets.

China Expands African Market Access

The scheme forms part of China’s broader effort to strengthen economic cooperation with Africa through expanded trade access and industrial collaboration.

Least developed African countries already benefit from duty-free access to the Chinese market under earlier commitments made through FOCAC frameworks.

The new initiative extends similar benefits to selected non-least developed African economies, including South Africa, which is one of Africa’s largest industrial and export-oriented economies.

Minister Tau said the development reflects the growing strategic partnership between China and the African continent.

“The zero-tariff treatment preference scheme reflects the strong relationship between China and the African continent and represents a significant outcome of FOCAC 2024,” Tau said.

Strategic Opportunity for South African Exporters

The dtic described the preferential market access arrangement as a major strategic opportunity to strengthen South Africa’s export competitiveness and support export-led economic growth.

Officials believe the scheme could help South Africa:

• Expand exports to China

• Increase value-added manufacturing exports

• Promote industrial beneficiation

• Strengthen agricultural exports

• Support job creation

• Enhance industrial development

• Diversify export markets

“The preferential market access framework presents a strategic opportunity for South Africa to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify into higher value-added products, and expand market access for agricultural, industrial and beneficiated goods,” the dtic said.

The department added that the initiative supports broader national goals around industrialisation, economic resilience and employment creation.

Exporters Must Meet Rules of Origin Requirements

While the scheme offers zero customs duties, exporters will still need to comply with strict rules of origin and certification requirements in order to qualify for the tariff preferences.

According to the dtic, exporters must:

• Meet product-specific rules of origin

• Comply with applicable tariff schedules

• Obtain valid Certificates of Origin

• Ensure customs compliance for Chinese imports

Government officials stressed that the tariff benefits are conditional upon proper documentation and verification procedures.

Exporters have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with all technical requirements to maximise the benefits of the scheme and avoid customs delays.

dtic and SARS Working on Implementation

The dtic said it is working closely with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to finalise customs procedures and legislative amendments required for implementation of the agreement.

This includes processes relating to:

• Issuing Certificates of Origin

• Customs verification procedures

• Export compliance systems

• Administrative documentation requirements

The department acknowledged that transitional arrangements may apply for goods already in transit.

For shipments where Certificates of Origin were not issued before or at the time of export, importers in China may initially be required to pay a deposit.

Officials said the deposit could later be refunded once the necessary documentation has been submitted.

In such cases, Certificates of Origin must be marked:

“Issued retrospectively”

The retrospective certificates will remain valid for one year from the shipment date.

Certain Products May Still Face Conditions

Although the scheme covers a broad range of products, officials cautioned that some goods may still be subject to specific conditions, including:

• Tariff rate quotas

• Product limitations

• Additional compliance requirements

Exporters are therefore being advised to study the detailed tariff schedules and rules carefully before entering the Chinese market under the preference arrangement.

Trade experts say sectors likely to benefit strongly include:

• Citrus and fruit exports

• Wine and beverages

• Agro-processed products

• Minerals and beneficiated metals

• Automotive components

• Industrial chemicals

• Manufactured goods

Export Help Desk Established

To assist businesses with implementation and compliance, the dtic has established a dedicated Export Help Desk.

The help desk will provide guidance on:

• Market access procedures

• Rules of origin

• Documentation requirements

• Compliance support

• Export facilitation

Exporters can contact the help desk at:

exports@thedtic.gov.za

The department also announced that a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide will be published on the dtic website to support exporters navigating the new framework.

Part of South Africa’s Export Diversification Strategy

Minister Tau said the initiative aligns with South Africa’s broader strategy of diversifying export markets and strengthening economic resilience amid shifting global trade dynamics.

He said the scheme provides South African companies with expanded access to one of the world’s most dynamic consumer economies.

“The scheme offers South African exporters an opportunity to expand into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets, while complementing the dtic’s diversification strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the South African economy,” Tau said.

Trade Partnership Expected to Deepen

China remains South Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner, with trade between the two countries spanning mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and infrastructure sectors.

The zero-tariff scheme is expected to further deepen economic ties while potentially encouraging:

• Higher export volumes

• Greater industrial cooperation

• Increased investment flows

• Manufacturing expansion

• Supply chain integration

Trade analysts say South Africa’s ability to fully benefit from the arrangement will depend on how effectively exporters can scale production, meet quality standards and move toward higher-value manufactured and processed exports rather than relying primarily on raw commodity exports.

As implementation begins, businesses across South Africa are expected to closely examine opportunities to expand their presence in the Chinese market under the new duty-free framework.