South African exporters have been encouraged to take full advantage of tariff savings and improved market access under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the United Kingdom, as the agreement marks its fifth anniversary.
Since its inception, the EPA has enabled South African exporters to save tariffs on R50 billion worth of goods shipped to the UK in 2024 alone, supporting jobs, export-led activity, and stronger trade ties between the two countries.
To help businesses better utilise the agreement, a seminar was held in Cape Town, hosted by the British High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and Wesgro, with support from the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event explored practical ways for exporters to make effective use of the EPA.
Discussions at the seminar revealed that R3.8 billion worth of South African exports, including beverages, automotives, and fruits and nuts, incurred unnecessary tariffs in 2024, underscoring the need for exporters to better leverage the agreement.
Highlighting the scale of opportunity, Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, said, “The UK is the largest G20 market for South African agricultural exports and the world’s biggest buyer of South African wine,” pointing to strong potential for small and medium enterprises to expand into the UK market.
The seminar also highlighted success stories such as Moedi Wines, a female-owned winery in the Western Cape. Founder Lesego Holzapfel said the agreement has helped the company expand its presence in the UK market.
Practical guidance was provided to exporters in key sectors, including agriculture and automotive manufacturing, focusing on how to maximise tariff-free access to the UK.
Addressing ongoing challenges, Willem van der Spuy, Acting Deputy Director-General for Exports at the dtic, said, “While many exporters already benefit from preferential access, some firms continue to pay avoidable tariffs,” adding that “the seminar is part of efforts to translate trade policy into practical steps for businesses, supporting export activity, particularly for SMEs.”