By Ndumiso Mlilo
South African small businesses should take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy to export their products to the world’s second-largest economy and the single biggest domestic market in the world, said a panel of academics on Saturday.
Dr Gideon Chitanga from BaoBab Ubuntu Media addressed members of the township economy, various stokvel members, and small businesses on Saturday in Braamfischer. He explained that the zero-tariff policy has opened game-changing opportunities in international trade at a time when other major economies are closing their markets.
China opened its market, allowing zero-tariff imports from 53 African countries, except Eswatini, starting on 1 May 2026. The policy initially targeted Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
China has a population of about 1.4 billion people, providing the single biggest domestic market of any nation that small businesses should take advantage of. Its major cities outside Beijing and Shanghai, and other regions beyond the metropolitan areas, provide underexplored markets for diverse products under the zero-tariff policy. The zero-tariff preference scheme eliminates import duties on thousands of qualifying agricultural and industrial goods, including agro-processed foods, fresh produce (avocados and nuts), plant extracts, flowers, and automotive components.
“Small businesses are facing massive opportunities to expand their businesses by leveraging key value chains in the international China-South Africa and China-Africa trade ecosystem. Small businesses and township economy actors can also sell many of the products they produce that qualify under the policy. If we sell those products, it means we have the potential to expand our agriculture, manufacturing, timber production, and other industries to create more jobs, grow our economy, and drive sustainable economic development with the support of our close international friends. These opportunities are not only for big companies, but also for SMEs in Gauteng and the rest of South Africa. You have to be organised to participate at the highest level,” said Chitanga.
A panel of discussants told the business community to approach the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Revenue Service, and local authorities. They also provided relevant websites for further information about eligibility, rules, and processes related to the zero-tariff policy. The panellists informed participants that they were required to respect important rules related to the policy in both South Africa and China with regard to certification and access to the Chinese market.
Chitanga said South Africa has cordial relations with China. “The South African government has good relations with China. Other than the zero tariffs and economic cooperation, there are lots of scholarships and cultural exchanges available between China and South Africa. There are scholarships for our children who are at universities, so please keep your ears open so that when those opportunities become available, you can also send your children to study at advanced and well-equipped Chinese universities on full scholarships.”
He urged musical groups and those involved in theatre and film to participate in exchanges with China. Chitanga said Africa-China relations have created opportunities to visit China to experience Chinese culture, technological advancement, and innovation. He said when South African youth visit China, they will see what their counterparts are doing to further modernise their country.
Chitanga said the zero-tariff policy is a great opportunity for African countries to expand and increase their exports to the Chinese market, which would help create more jobs, strengthen economies, improve living conditions by creating more businesses, and catalyse economic modernisation.
