Why China’s new duty-free access is a lifeline for South African exporters

South African exporters are benefiting from a new zero-tariff arrangement with China, which began on May 1. This initiative saw the first shipments of South African apples and wine arrive in China duty-free, specifically at Shenzhen Bay port and in central Hunan province. The removal of the 10 percent tariff on apples is particularly significant for South African producers. This new access is crucial as South African exporters seek to diversify their markets, moving away from increasingly restrictive trade channels in the United States. Recent data indicates Germany has surpassed the US as South Africa's second-largest export market, while China remains the primary destination for South African goods.