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South Africa, China Forge Trade Deal Amid U.S. Tariffs

2/6/2026

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South Africa-China Trade Deal

South Africa and China signed a framework agreement for a new trade deal to boost relations amid high U.S. tariffs.
The deal would grant some South African goods, such as fruit, duty-free access to China.
China would gain investment opportunities in South Africa.
The move follows strained U.S.-South Africa relations under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which imposed a 30% tariff on certain South African goods.

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Trump Renews AGOA

The African Growth and Opportunity Act renewal provides duty-free access for more than 1,800 sub-Saharan African goods to the United States in a short-term renewal signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
It provides retroactive benefits but omits a mandated U.S.–South Africa review.
South Africa faces a 30% tariff on exports to the United States.
Future discussions will consider whether AGOA countries should be exempt from Trump's tariff policies.

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South Africa-China Trade Deal

South Africa and China signed a framework agreement for a new trade deal to boost relations amid high U.S. tariffs.
The deal would grant some South African goods, such as fruit, duty-free access to China.
China would gain investment opportunities in South Africa.
The move follows strained U.S.-South Africa relations under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which imposed a 30% tariff on certain South African goods.

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