China Grants Zero Tariffs to South African Exports Under New Trade Agreement

China and South Africa have signed a new framework trade agreement that will grant zero tariffs on South African exports, including wine, once the deal is implemented. The agreement was signed in Beijing on February 6 during the ninth meeting of the China–South Africa Joint Economic and Trade Commission. China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, and South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, formalized the pact, which aims to deepen economic ties between the two countries.

The agreement follows China’s commitment made in June to provide 100% tariff-line zero-duty treatment to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing. This policy excludes only Eswatini among African nations. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the new framework will ensure all South African exports receive zero-tariff treatment across all product categories, in line with World Trade Organization rules.

Parks Tau commented on social media that the agreement would enhance trade with China, increase South African exports, and help rebuild the country’s industrial capacity. The South African government described the deal as “landmark” and announced plans to conclude an “Early Harvest Agreement” by March 2026. This follow-up agreement is expected to accelerate duty-free access for South African goods and encourage more Chinese investment in South Africa.

China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries was first announced by President Xi Jinping at a ministerial meeting under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation last year. The move is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen economic partnerships across Africa.

For South Africa’s wine industry, the removal of import tariffs could open new opportunities in the Chinese market. However, current export figures remain modest. In 2025, South Africa ranked 11th among China’s wine import sources by value, with exports totaling $7.07 million and accounting for just 0.50% of China’s total wine imports. Last year saw a sharp decline in these exports: import value dropped 47.61% year-on-year, while volume fell 47.03% to 2.01 million liters. These figures reflect both weak demand and strong competition from other wine-producing countries.

China already grants zero tariffs to wine from Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Georgia. Despite these tariff exemptions, imported wine in China is still subject to a 10% consumption tax and a 13% value-added tax at customs clearance.

The new agreement signals a potential shift for South African wine producers seeking to expand their presence in Asia’s largest market. Both governments have expressed optimism that the deal will boost trade volumes and foster closer economic cooperation in the coming years.