EPISODE · Jun 3, 2026 · 18 MIN
NOW Ep 128 : The dragon’s new terms
from Investec Focus Radio SA · host Investec
China remains South Africa's largest trading partner, but the landscape of global trade is evolving. As compliance requirements tighten, supply chains face new pressures, and geopolitical tensions reshape trade flows, businesses must navigate an increasingly complex relationship with the world's second-largest economy. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Investec Treasury Economist Tertia Jacobs and Head of Supply Chain Dylan Govender look at the forces reshaping Sino-South Africa trade and explore what these changes mean for local businesses and the broader economy. Read more on www.investec.com/now Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:21 – The evolution of SA-Sino trade relations 02:38 – Will the zero-tariff trade deal change this asymmetry? 05:13 – New China export rules could impact SA exporters 06:40 – How SA is walking the tightrope of politics and trade 09:08 – The added complexity of BRICS 10:36 – South Africa must diversify imports of finished goods 12:16 – Investec wants the deadline of compliance to be extended 13:01 – Impact of China’s slowing economy on South Africa 15:13 – Businesses need sufficient working capital to get through delays 15:50 – The nature of Sino-SA relations over the next five years 17:40 – Closing Investec Focus Radio SA
What this episode covers
China remains South Africa's largest trading partner, but the landscape of global trade is evolving. As compliance requirements tighten, supply chains face new pressures, and geopolitical tensions reshape trade flows, businesses must navigate an increasingly complex relationship with the world's second-largest economy. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Investec Treasury Economist Tertia Jacobs and Head of Supply Chain Dylan Govender look at the forces reshaping Sino-South Africa trade and explore what these changes mean for local businesses and the broader economy. Read more on www.investec.com/now Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:21 – The evolution of SA-Sino trade relations 02:38 – Will the zero-tariff trade deal change this asymmetry? 05:13 – New China export rules could impact SA exporters 06:40 – How SA is walking the tightrope of politics and trade 09:08 – The added complexity of BRICS 10:36 – South Africa must diversify imports of finished goods 12:16 – Investec wants the deadline of compliance to be extended 13:01 – Impact of China’s slowing economy on South Africa 15:13 – Businesses need sufficient working capital to get through delays 15:50 – The nature of Sino-SA relations over the next five years 17:40 – Closing
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NOW Ep 128 : The dragon’s new terms
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