A trade policy signed in Beijing is now being felt most directly on a quay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. China’s zero tariff scheme for qualifying South African exports has significantly driven demand for dry bulk commodities moving through the Port of Ngqura, including chrome, magnetite, iron ore and corn, according to a port official.
Port of Ngqura’s Business Strategy Manager, Xola Mkontwana, said the port has recorded exponential growth in commodity throughput destined for the Chinese market since the policy took effect. “There was an exponential market in terms of demand from China,” Mkontwana told journalists during a media tour of the adjacent Coega Special Economic Zone. He said the tariff preferences have meaningfully lifted bulk operational volumes across the regional logistics hub. “The zero-tariff has assisted the throughput for bulk across the port system because there’s chrome and magnetite, iron ore, and also corn,” added Mkontwana.
The zero tariff treatment applies to qualifying exports from South Africa and 19 other non least developed African countries, and officially took effect on 1 May 2026. Running through 30 April 2028, the two year non reciprocal framework expands duty free access for African goods into the Chinese market, provided exporters comply with rules of origin and standard customs regulations. The initiative fulfills commitments made under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation framework to promote balanced bilateral trade and support industrialisation across the continent.
Asked what is driving the surge in Chinese orders, Mkontwana pointed to expanding industrial and infrastructure activity in China alongside favourable price realisations for South African mining and agricultural enterprises. He noted, “It’s the companies that they’re actually developing on that side. It’s the market that is there and the price that is good for the miners and owners.”
Located roughly 20km northeast of Gqeberha, the Port of Ngqura is South Africa’s newest deep water commercial port and serves as a critical maritime gateway connecting Eastern Cape minerals, agricultural produce and automotive manufacturing to global shipping lines. South Africa remains China’s largest trading partner on the continent, with bilateral trade dominated by mineral products, raw materials and agricultural goods. As South African producers look to expand their export destinations, China’s preferential tariff framework is providing real momentum for economic diversification, job creation and increased logistics activity across the country’s supply chains.
