China’s ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng has announced that the start of the implementation of the recently signed Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity granting zero-tariff treatment to SA products is imminent.
Addressing the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration at the South African State Theatre in Tshwane on Friday evening, Peng said the agreement signed just over a week ago will give South Africa zero-tariff treatment on 100% tariff lines for exports to China soon.
“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 agreement covers a number of areas including trade, investment, new energy and multi-lateral cooperation.
Peng added that China’s massive market will provide South Africa with vast development opportunities.
Bilateral trade in goods between the two countries reached almost US$54 billion (over R861.3bn) for the year (2025), with a year-on-year increase of 2.2%.
At the celebrations, the Embassy invited major Chinese car brands to showcase their new models, which Peng explained was for everyone to enjoy the charm of Chinese manufacturing and industrial culture.
“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.
According to Peng, China’s GDP (gross domestic product) surpassed 140 trillion Yuan (about R325 trillion), with an economic growth rate of 5%.
“Green electricity, green energy, and green economy flourished, and China’s innovation index ranked among the top ten globally. ‘Made in China’ moved further towards the higher-end and more intelligent manufacturing.
China’s annual production and sales of new energy vehicles surpassed 16 million units, ranking number one globally for the 11th year in a row, he further stated.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina said 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China and that this is ushered with a deep sense of pride in the progress that has been achieved by both countries.
“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.
Gina added: “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”.
Celebrations of the Chinese New Year start on Tuesday and guests at the SA State Theatre were treated to breathtaking performances by both South African and Chinese artists from the Sichuan Culture and Tourism “Happy Chinese New Year” Performing Troupe.
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