South Africa to China Trade Corridor
South Africa to China: $35.0B bilateral trade, +4.2% YoY, rank #22 corridor, 7.5% average applied tariff, FTA status: No FTA.
Key facts
- Bilateral trade: $35.0B
- Year on year growth: +4.2%
- Corridor rank: #22 on ExportIQ
- Average applied tariff: 7.5%
- Trade agreement status: No FTA
- Typical transit time: 21-28 days
- Key ports: Durban, Cape Town, Shanghai, Qingdao
Trade relationship
South Africa is China's largest African trading partner. Iron ore, manganese, and chrome exports to China dominate, while Chinese electronics, machinery, and consumer goods flow into Africa's most industrialized economy.
Top traded products between South Africa and China
The largest product groups on this corridor are Ores and concentrates, Mineral fuels, Electrical machinery. Together they make up 55.7% of bilateral trade.
| HS Chapter | Product | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Ores and concentrates | $12.0B | 34.3% |
| 27 | Mineral fuels | $4.0B | 11.4% |
| 85 | Electrical machinery | $3.5B | 10% |
| 84 | Machinery | $3.0B | 8.6% |
| 72 | Iron and steel | $2.0B | 5.7% |
| 08 | Citrus fruits | $1.2B | 3.4% |
Tariffs and trade agreements
The average applied tariff is 7.5%. Free trade agreement status: No FTA.
Applicable trade agreements:
- WTO
- BRICS
- FOCAC
Required certifications
Exporters on this corridor should expect to provide 4 certifications.
- SABS
- CCC
- NRCS
- ISO 9001
Trade logistics and key ports
Estimated transit time is 21-28 days. The corridor runs through 4 key ports.
- Durban
- Cape Town
- Shanghai
- Qingdao
Check duty and demand for your product on this corridor
Questions, answered
- What are the top products traded between South Africa and China?
- Ores and concentrates, Mineral fuels, Electrical machinery
- What is the average tariff rate for South Africa to China trade?
- The average applied tariff rate is 7.5%. FTA status: No FTA.
- How long does shipping take from South Africa to China?
- Typical transit time is 21-28 days via Durban and Cape Town.
- How large is trade between South Africa and China?
- Bilateral trade is $35.0B, up 4.2% year on year. It ranks #22 among the corridors ExportIQ tracks.
- Which certifications are required for South Africa to China exports?
- Required certifications: SABS, CCC, NRCS, ISO 9001.