00:06China has extended its zero-tariff trade policy to all 53 African countries it shares diplomatic
00:13ties with, officials from China's State Council announced recently.
00:17The deal is particularly sweet for growers of sugarcane, a cornerstone crop in South
00:23Africa's agricultural industry.
00:25One grower hopes the measures will help ease the current period of global trade upheaval.
00:31It will make trading in China a lot easier.
00:34It will create a better revenue stream for exports of sugar to China and agreements like
00:42these assist in rejuvenating our economy within the industry and making us more viable.
00:49Beyond sugarcane, things like citrus fruits, macadamia nuts, wine and other products are
00:55also expected to gain broader market access to China.
00:58For the past 17 years, China has been South Africa's largest trading partner with bilateral
01:04trade exceeding 53.5 billion U.S. dollars.
01:07The new zero-tariff trade initiative is expected to grow that relationship even further.
01:13The tariff-free access that's been granted us, it's going to be a game-changer for not only
01:18citrus but also for our entire agricultural sector.
01:20We're now going to be able to compete with excellent quality wines and other agricultural
01:24goods in that market on a far more competitive basis.
01:28China's zero-tariff trade policies with Africa started on the 1st of May this year and will
01:34extend until April 30th of 2028.
01:36It will extend until April 30th of 2028.
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