South African Exporters Urged to Maximise UK Trade Benefits as EPA Marks Five Years
South African Exporters Urged to Maximise UK Trade Benefits as EPA Marks Five Years. South African businesses have been encouraged to take full advantage of tariff savings and preferential market access available under the Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Kingdom, as the trade agreement marks its fifth anniversary.
Since the EPA came into effect, South African exporters have recorded significant tariff savings when exporting to the UK. In 2024 alone, exporters saved tariffs on goods valued at R50 billion, supporting export-led activity, employment, and bilateral trade between the two countries.
The anniversary was marked through a seminar held in Cape Town, hosted by the British High Commission in Pretoria in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Wesgro. The event was supported by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and focused on practical ways businesses can better utilise the agreement.
During the seminar, participants were informed that South African exports worth R3.8 billion incurred avoidable tariffs in 2024. Products affected included beverages, automotive components, and fruits and nuts, highlighting gaps in awareness and utilisation of the EPA’s provisions.
British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson noted that the UK remains the largest G20 destination for South African agricultural exports and the world’s largest buyer of South African wine. He said the agreement offers scope for small and medium enterprises to expand their footprint in the UK market.
The seminar also featured insights from exporters already benefiting from the EPA. Moedi Wines, a female-owned winery based in the Western Cape, was cited as an example. Founder Lesego Holzapfel shared that the agreement has supported the company’s expansion in the UK market.
Officials from the dtic provided technical guidance on rules of origin, customs documentation, and compliance requirements, particularly for exporters in the agriculture and automotive sectors. The objective was to assist businesses in accessing tariff-free entry into the UK.
Willem van der Spuy, Acting Deputy Director-General for Exports at the dtic, said that while many exporters are already using the agreement, others continue to pay tariffs that could be avoided. He noted that the seminar forms part of broader efforts to ensure trade policy translates into practical benefits for businesses, medium-sized enterprises.
Five years since its implementation, the EPA continues to serve as a framework through which South African businesses can pursue export growth, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen trade relations with the United Kingdom.
