China will not seek reciprocity in its latest trade agreement with South Africa, its ambassador said, as Beijing prepares to roll out an expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations from May 1.
The deal means South African goods can enter the Chinese market tax-free without any requirement for Pretoria to reciprocate by lowering its own import duties on products from China.
“In this process, China will fully accommodate South Africa’s interests and will not seek reciprocity,” Chinese...
Analysis & Context
China will not seek reciprocity in its latest trade agreement with South Africa, its ambassador said, as Beijing prepares to roll out an expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations from May 1.
The deal means South African goods can enter the Chinese market tax-free without any requirement for Pretoria to reciprocate by lowering its own import duties on products from China.
“In this process, China will fully accommodate South Africa’s interests and will not seek reciprocity,” Chinese... This article provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of current events.
China will not seek reciprocity in its latest trade agreement with South Africa, its ambassador said, as Beijing prepares to roll out an expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations from May 1.
The deal means South African goods can enter the Chinese market tax-free without any requirement for Pretoria to reciprocate by lowering its own import duties on products from China.
“In this process, China will fully accommodate South Africa’s interests and will not seek reciprocity,” Chinese...
AdvertisementChina-Africa relationsChinaDiplomacyChina says it won’t seek reciprocity with South Africa on zero-tariff policyEnvoy makes the pledge as Beijing prepares to roll out tax-free access to the Chinese market for goods from 53 African nationsReading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPJevans NyabiagePublished: 4:00pm, 19 Feb 2026China will not seek reciprocity in its latest trade agreement with South Africa, its ambassador said, as Beijing prepares to roll out an expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations from May 1.The deal means South African goods can enter the Chinese market tax-free without any requirement for Pretoria to reciprocate by lowering its own import duties on products from China.“In this process, China will fully accommodate South Africa’s interests and will not seek reciprocity,” Chinese ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said on Saturday.AdvertisementIt came after President Xi Jinping gave an assurance to the African Union Summit – held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa last week – that China would fully implement the zero-tariff measures for 53 African nations from May 1.The Chinese envoy’s remarks have eased concerns in South Africa over a potential requirement for a reciprocal agreement that could have hurt its car industry.Chinese ambassador Wu Peng and South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen in the town of Franschhoek on Wednesday with plums destined for China. It was the first shipment of stone fruit to be exported to the Asian nation under an agreement signed in October. Photo: HandoutBeijing’s economic sweetener comes as some African nations – facing higher tariffs in the United States – are seeking to diversify their markets. The US imposed a 30 per cent blanket tariff on South African imports last year.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x
