China’s ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, has declared that the implementation of a landmark Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity is imminent, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in trade relations between Pretoria and Beijing. Speaking at the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration hosted at the South African State Theatre in Tshwane, Peng confirmed that South African exports to China will soon enjoy zero tariff treatment across 100 percent of tariff lines, a development with far-reaching economic implications.
The agreement, signed just over a week ago, is expected to eliminate customs duties on the full spectrum of South African goods entering the vast Chinese market. The announcement was met with anticipation from business leaders and government officials alike, as the removal of tariffs could significantly improve the competitiveness of South African agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods in one of the world’s largest consumer economies.
Imminent Implementation Timeline
Peng indicated that the formal rollout of the zero tariff framework is only days away, urging stakeholders to prepare for the official confirmation. The ambassador framed the development as a moment of strategic importance for bilateral trade, signalling that the administrative and diplomatic groundwork has already been laid for swift execution.
“I would like to make a pre-announcement, I would also like to share with everyone that on this front there will be some major good news coming either (on Saturday) or the following two days about when we can implement the zero tariffs for South African product exports to China. Please be careful, pay attention to that,” he said.
The statement suggests that the final procedural steps are underway, and that the formal activation of the agreement could follow almost immediately after the public confirmation.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
The Framework Agreement extends beyond tariff relief, covering areas such as trade facilitation, investment promotion, new energy collaboration and multilateral cooperation. This broader scope indicates that the partnership aims to deepen structural economic ties rather than focus solely on goods exchange, reinforcing long term policy alignment between the two nations.
Peng highlighted the scale of opportunity presented by China’s domestic market, describing it as a powerful engine for South African development. With China’s population exceeding 1.4 billion people, the opening of its market without tariff barriers may create new channels for export growth, industrial expansion and job creation within South Africa’s productive sectors.
Trade Figures Reflect Growing Momentum
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached almost US$54 billion in 2025, equivalent to more than R861.3 billion, reflecting a year on year increase of 2.2 percent. The figures demonstrate sustained commercial engagement despite global economic headwinds, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating commodity prices.
The steady growth trajectory suggests resilience in the trade corridor between Beijing and Pretoria, with South Africa maintaining its status as one of China’s key African trading partners. The removal of tariffs may accelerate this upward trend, particularly if exporters are able to respond quickly to new demand conditions.
Local Manufacturing Aspirations
During the celebrations, major Chinese automotive brands were invited to showcase new models, offering guests a glimpse into the scale and sophistication of China’s industrial capacity. Peng clarified that the exhibition was not a sales initiative but rather a demonstration of manufacturing progress and technological advancement.
“However, today, we let them show their new model cars not promote sales because our Chinese government always emphasises, we encourage all of those Chinese car-makers to manufacture locally.
“I hope in the near future, the cars they sell in South Africa can be made in South Africa,” he explained.
The emphasis on localisation aligns with South Africa’s own industrial policy objectives, which prioritise domestic production, skills transfer and employment creation in the automotive sector.
China Economic Strength On Display
Peng further outlined China’s recent economic performance, noting that the country’s gross domestic product surpassed 140 trillion Yuan, approximately R325 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 5 percent. He described rapid advancements in green electricity, green energy and the green economy, as well as a rise in China’s global innovation ranking into the top ten.
He added that China’s annual production and sales of new energy vehicles exceeded 16 million units, maintaining the world’s leading position for the eleventh consecutive year. The reference to high end and intelligent manufacturing signals Beijing’s continued push up the value chain, a factor that could shape future patterns of trade and technology exchange with South Africa.
Diplomatic Ties Strengthened
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina reflected on the broader diplomatic context, noting that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal relations between South Africa and China. She described the anniversary as a milestone characterised by measurable progress and deepening cooperation.
“South Africa values the spirit of cooperation that underpins its relations with China and looks forward to further strengthening this collaboration in ways that advance shared prosperity and contribute positively to global peace and development,” she said.
“China remains a key partner in South Africa’s efforts to promote the socio-economic well-being of our peoples and to address the wide range of global challenges that demand collective action”.
The celebration concluded with cultural performances by South African and Chinese artists from the Sichuan Culture and Tourism Happy Chinese New Year Performing Troupe, symbolising the blend of economic ambition and cultural diplomacy shaping the relationship between the two nations.
