South Africa has unveiled a five-year trade and investment package with China as part of a broader push to deepen South-South cooperation and diversify its global economic partnerships amid rising trade tensions with the United States.
The South Africa-China Trade and Investment Package (2025-2029), developed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with industry bodies, was announced on Thursday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
She revealed that the package outlines strategic priorities in trade, investment, industrial development and skills training.
“On trade the priorities are on the exchange of top 100 products, establishment of a permanent expo in China and cooperation to address regulatory measures,” Ntshavheni told journalists in Pretoria.
On investment and industrial development, the priorities would be on investments in steel, tyres, automotive, battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, rail manufacturing and the digital economy, she said.
“The skills development component focuses on skills associated with the identified priority sectors including to service and provide aftercare maintenance.”
The minister said the package was presented to Chinese officials during Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to China in July where he met with state-owned enterprises and financial institutions.
The announcement comes as Pretoria navigates a complex trade relationship with Washington.
Trade tensions have prompted South Africa to accelerate efforts to diversify export markets and strengthen supply chain integration across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
To support industries affected by US tariffs, the South African government is rolling out targeted interventions, including an export support desk for affected companies, a Localisation Support Fund, and an Export and Competitiveness Support Programme offering working capital and equipment financing.
JN/APA