South Africa and China have taken another step to strengthen their economic partnership by confirming a certificate of origin arrangement for South African products under China’s zero-tariff agreement.
The announcement was made at the Zero-Tariff, Zero Distance Briefing Reception, jointly organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, explained the theme of the day: “Zero Tariffs means South African products can enter the Chinese market under the most favourable conditions, and Zero Distance means businesses and consumers in the two countries will be brought closer together than ever before.” He highlighted the momentum since the agreement took effect on 1 May, recalling that the first shipment under the new rules—24 tonnes of fresh South African apples—cleared customs at Shenzhen Bay Port at midnight on the day of implementation.
Zero Distance means businesses and consumers in the two countries will be brought closer together than ever before
Wu cited SARS statistics showing South Africa’s exports to China reached US$5.3 billion, up nearly 25% year on year, outpacing the country’s overall export growth of 17%. Imports from China totalled US$9.47 billion, up 23%. For the first time, South African exports to China grew faster than China’s exports to South Africa, signalling a shift toward more balanced trade.
He said the zero-tariff policy means much more than helping South African products reach the Chinese market. It is also making companies more aware of the opportunities to invest in South Africa.
He said the zero-tariff policy means much more than helping South African products
Zero tariffs significantly reduce trade costs between South Africa and China, giving companies operating in South Africa a stronger competitive advantage when exporting to China. This, in turn, can attract investors from around the world to invest and establish businesses in South Africa.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau confirmed that SARS had issued printable certificates of origin for South African products, applied retrospectively to shipments from 1 May. Between June and August, SARS issued 25,975 certificates, while customs declarations rose by 199% year on year. Tau emphasised that predictable rules and balanced trade underpin the relationship, noting that the zero-tariff treatment runs for two years.
“We are not waiting for it to expire. In February, Minister Wang Wentao and I signed the framework agreement on economic partnership in Beijing,” he said.
Tau outlined South Africa’s Top 100 Value-Added Product Portfolio for the Chinese market, spanning agro-processing, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, machinery, medical equipment, fabricated metals, plastics, rubber, and automotive products.
Tau outlined South Africa’s Top 100 Value-Added Product Portfolio for the Chinese market
He added that more than 200 Chinese companies have invested in South Africa, while over 25 South African firms operate in China. Negotiations on the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development (CADEPA) are also in their final stages and cover trade, investment, infrastructure, logistics, SMEs, and industrial development.
The Minister acknowledged requests from the South African wine industry to streamline certification, allowing them to issue certificates of origin directly as export volumes expand. “This would spare exporters from dealing with two agencies for one shipment. The government is looking into the matter,” he said.
Top officials from both countries presented on qualifying products and export procedures
Tau also encouraged businesses to secure SARS certificates of origin and consult DTIC officials on export product opportunities and barriers. He invited exporters to participate in upcoming expos in Shanghai and Sandton: “Let us move from interest to deals, and from deals to prosperity.”
The briefing, planned for 250 participants, drew 400 attendees, including many small and medium enterprises—an indication, Tau said, of South African businesses’ strong appetite to seize opportunities in China.
Top officials from both countries presented on qualifying products and export procedures, including health and food standards. Qiu Zhongyi, economic counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, shared China’s perspective, while DTIC’s acting deputy director-general for export, Willem van der Spuy, and SARS Manager for Rules of Origin, Alfred Ramoroka, offered South African insights. SARS interim Deputy Commissioner Schalk Human also addressed the gathering, giving SARS overall role.
Adding a business voice, Gizelle Randell, export administrator at Peppadew International, shared her success story of exporting to China, underscoring the practical benefits of the zero-tariff arrangement.
Together, the presentations reflected a shared commitment to expanding trade, fostering investment, and building closer ties between South Africa and China—anchored in predictable rules, balanced growth, and opportunities for businesses across both nations.
