UK-SA Partnership Saves Billions, Targets Underused Export Potential
The UK-South Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a seminar in Cape Town, highlighting substantial tariff savings and untapped export potential for South African businesses.
Hosted by the British High Commission in Pretoria, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Wesgro, and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event aimed to raise awareness of the development-focused free trade deal. Implemented post-Brexit, the EPA provides duty-free access for over 95% of South African goods to the UK market, fostering mutual growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development.
In 2024 alone, the agreement delivered tariff savings on R50 billion worth of South African exports to the UK, supporting jobs and boosting export-led growth. However, businesses paid avoidable tariffs on R3.8 billion in exports—mainly beverages, automotives, fruits, and nuts—underscoring the need for greater utilisation.
