In a bid to strengthen economic ties, the Chinese government has called for more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter China’s vast market.
Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers
In a bid to strengthen economic ties, the Chinese government has called for more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter China’s vast market.
China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner, having overtaken the European Union in 2023. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$34.18 billion last year, significantly outpacing the EU's US$1.34 billion in trade with South Africa.
However, while trade between the two nations continues to blossom, experts and economists have often raised concerns about the imbalance in the structure of the trade relationship.
In his weekly letter last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa also noted the need to boost South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and increase exports of value-added goods.
"There is an imbalance in the structure of our trade. South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China and imports largely manufactured products from China.
"During our discussion, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for the development of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and to receive greater volumes of finished goods from South Africa."
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, this week, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said the Chinese government welcomes more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter the huge Chinese market.
"I had a good meeting with Dr Ntshabele, CEO of Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa, and Ms Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit SA. Very fruitful discussion.
"In this turbulent world caused by trade protectionism, China and South Africa need to strengthen our bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Chinese government welcomes more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter huge Chinese market." he said.
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