China should be a priority for increased South African agricultural exports, according to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo.
Sihlobo regularly advocates increasing food exports and expanding and diversifying the countries to which they are sold.
In a blog focusing on China, he pointed out the “tremendous potential” of that market and its 1.4 billion people. Despite the opportunities, South Africa has lagged other countries in gaining access to Chinese markets, and it was down at 32nd on the list of China’s agricultural suppliers.
“China’s top agricultural imports include oilseeds, meat, grains, fruits and nuts, cotton, beverages and spirits, sugar, wool, and vegetables. South Africa is already an exporter of these products to various countries in the world and is producing surpluses for some.
“This means there is room to expand to China, especially as South Africa’s agricultural production continues to increase, with more volume expected in the coming years.”
Farmers were keen to export, but needed more support from the government, Sihlobo said. South Africa should be arguing for a broad reduction in the import tariffs China imposed on some agricultural products from South Africa. Removing phytosanitary constraints in various products should be a key objective.
“There is room for more ambitious export efforts. Three government departments must lead the conversation – Trade, Industry and Competition; Agriculture; and International Relations and Cooperation.
“The South African authorities must continuously engage China to soften these barriers and encourage agricultural trade between our countries,” Sihlobo wrote.
- South Africa’s agricultural exports to China dropped by 20% in the fourth quarter of last year, according to a trade brief published by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).
