Duty-free China deal won’t crush SA’s textile industry – Tau

Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, assures that South Africa's landmark duty-free agreement with China will not devastate the long-suffering local textile industry. 

The China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement was signed on Friday, granting South African exports duty-free access to the Chinese market.

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Tau said the agreement includes investments in new energy and industrialisation, presenting a platform for South African companies to establish a presence in China. 

“Through this agreement, we can support South African companies that wish to access the Chinese market but also want to establish a base in China and manufacture products.”

Tau assured that the agreement excludes sensitive products such as textiles, footwear and clothing from access to the South African market with conditions.

“Without conditions, it would devastate what is remaining of our textile industry. There is not much left already, so we want to make sure that we safeguard it.”

He added that consultation and engagement with all stakeholders, including labour, business, and other organisations, will be ongoing to ensure a smooth implementation of the agreement.

To listen to Tau in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: