China's ambassador says South African exports to China rose 25%
Ambassador Wu Peng said exports grew about 25% from May to August after China introduced zero tariffs for African countries it has diplomatic ties with. He spoke at the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, run by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation.
Wu Peng spoke on the second day of the forum. He said trade between China and South Africa reached nearly $15bn from May to August, up almost 24% year on year. Chinese exports to South Africa grew 23% in the same period.
The ambassador said agricultural exports to China reached nearly $500m, up more than 35% year on year. He said talks on market access for other farm products should follow a September protocol on South African cherry exports. He also said the two countries have 66 sister-province and sister-city partnerships.
Wu argued the zero-tariff policy could help South Africa sell more than minerals and add higher-value products. He said it could make South Africa a more competitive base for firms that export to China. He said this could draw more Chinese investment, and named Chery and West China Cement.
Wu said the policy could support local industrialisation and create jobs. He said Beijing intends to open its domestic market further to international trade in its next five-year planning period.
Key facts
- Who
- Wu Peng (China's ambassador to South Africa); Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation (organiser of the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum)
- What
- Speaking at the second day of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation's Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, Wu Peng cited trade figures showing China-South Africa trade near $15bn from May to August, with South African exports to China up about 25%, and argued the zero-tariff policy could support local industrialisation and job creation.
- When
- 31 October 2026
- Where
- China, South Africa, Drakensberg
- Status
- Reported