JOHANNESBURG – China will allow duty-free imports of some South African products under a deal being finalised as Pretoria seeks to diversify its markets, the trade ministry said on Thursday. 

China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, followed by the United States, which, in August last year, imposed 30% tariffs on some South African products. 

Trade minister Parks Tau is travelling to China to sign an agreement that “will see South African exports getting duty-free access to the Chinese market and attract investment into South Africa,” the ministry said. 

“This trip comes at a time when South Africa is pursuing an objective of market diversification and export growth,” it added, without specifying which sectors would benefit from the duty-free deal. 

Tau will also meet with Chinese companies interested in investing in South Africa. 

China became Pretoria’s largest trading partner in 2023, overtaking the European Union, with South Africa exporting primarily minerals and agricultural products. 

Pretoria has said it is negotiating a better trade deal with the United States, citing fears that its 30% tariffs on a range of products could cost thousands of jobs. 

Tensions between the South African government and president Donald Trump’s administration have escalated over the past year, disrupting the transatlantic relationship. -Nampa/AFP