That's nuts! Record 98.4 percent of SA's pecan exports go to China as Ambassador Wu Peng calls for strengthened trade relations

China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, has called for further strengthening of economic ties between the two countries.

Peng’s remarks come in the wake of a recent announcement from the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA), which revealed that South Africa’s in-shell pecan exports have reached a record 33,708 tons. According to the data, China remains the largest importer, accounting for 98.4% of the market share.

Peng took to X (formerly Twitter) to call for continued strengthening of economic ties between the two nations to promote growth.

His appeal comes at a time when South Africa’s relations with the US are deteriorating. There are growing concerns that South Africa could be excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which would significantly impact the country’s access to the US market.

Introduced in 2000, AGOA provides duty-free access to over 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries.

"Exciting news for China-SA trade! The South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) reports that SA’s in-shell pecan exports hit a record high of 33,708 tons, with China being the largest importer, accounting for 98.4% of the market. Let’s continue strengthening economic ties & mutual growth!" Peng said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly newsletter after returning from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September last year, reaffirmed the significance of South Africa’s relationship with China.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing trade imbalance between the two nations.

"China is our largest trading partner, having overtaken the European Union in 2023. However, there is an imbalance in the structure of our trade. South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China and imports largely manufactured products from China," Ramaphosa said.

"During our discussion, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for the development of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and to receive greater volumes of finished goods from South Africa."

IOL also previously reported that Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has also stressed the need for diversifying South Africa’s agricultural exports, stressing that it is vital for economic growth and job creation.

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