South Africa is a country that has a great deal of potential when it comes to international trade. The country has a diverse range of manufactured goods, natural resources, and agricultural products that make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses looking to expand their markets. One of the ways that South Africa has sought to take advantage of this potential is by negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with other countries.

So, who does South Africa have free trade agreements with? Let`s take a look at some of the major agreements that the country has signed in recent years.

1. Southern African Development Community (SADC)

The SADC is a regional intergovernmental organization that includes 16 countries in southern Africa. South Africa is a founding member of the SADC, and the organization has played a key role in promoting regional economic integration. In 2008, the SADC signed an FTA that eliminated tariffs on goods traded between member states. South Africa has been an active participant in this agreement and has benefited greatly from the increased trade and investment opportunities it has created.

2. European Union (EU)

The EU is the world`s largest trading block, and South Africa has been working to deepen its economic ties with the organization for many years. In 2016, the two sides signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that eliminated tariffs on 98.7% of goods traded between them. The agreement also included provisions to promote investment, protect intellectual property rights, and improve regulatory cooperation. South Africa has been able to increase its exports to the EU since the EPA was signed, and the agreement has helped to strengthen the country`s overall economic relationship with Europe.

3. United States of America (USA)

The USA is one of South Africa`s most important trading partners, and the two countries have been working to deepen their economic ties for many years. In 2015, the two countries signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that was designed to promote bilateral trade and investment. While the TIFA is not a full-fledged FTA, it has helped to create a framework for future negotiations between the two countries.

4. China

China is one of the world`s largest economies, and South Africa has been seeking to deepen its economic ties with the country in recent years. In 2018, the two sides signed a protocol that updated the existing FTA between them. The new agreement included provisions to promote trade in services, protect intellectual property rights, and improve regulatory cooperation. South Africa has been able to increase its exports to China since the agreement was signed, and the country sees China as an important partner in its efforts to build a more diversified and dynamic economy.

In conclusion, South Africa has a number of important free trade agreements with countries around the world. These agreements have helped to create new opportunities for trade and investment, and they have played an important role in the country`s efforts to build a more dynamic and diversified economy. While there are still challenges to be overcome, South Africa is well positioned to continue building on these agreements in the years ahead.