This means that goods such as coffee, pecans, and wine will be able to enter China without tariffs, resulting in a significant reduction in costs and an immediate expansion of profit margins.

However - orders are easy to get, but the money is hard to collect. Many business owners engaged in African trade share the same experience: the goods are delivered, the client says the payment has been made, but the money just doesn't go into the account. The 5-7 day settlement period, the high transfer fees, and even being rejected outright by the bank...

So, in the era of zero tariffs, which African country would be the most suitable for newcomers to enter? And how can one establish a funding channel to firmly secure this wave of benefits? We will tell you the answer with real data.

01 Zero-tariff policy: The greatest trade benefit in 2026

The zero-tariff policy implemented by 53 African countries is the first such policy globally where major economies have implemented full coverage of zero tariffs for African countries that have established diplomatic relations with them. It is also an important measure for China to expand its high-level opening-up.

Previously, China had granted zero-tariff treatment to the least developed countries as of December 2024, covering 33 African countries. This time, it has expanded to 53 countries, marking a leap from "partial pilot programs" to "full coverage across Africa".

// According to the data released by the General Administration of Customs of China:

In 2025, the total trade volume between China and Africa reached 348.052 billion US dollars, increasing by 17.7% year-on-year and setting a new record high.

In the first quarter of 2026, the trade volume between China and Africa reached 646.56 billion yuan, increasing by 23.7%. The trade enthusiasm continued to rise.

Starting from May 1st, the implementation of zero tariffs combined with the upgrade of the "green channel" will further expand the access of African products to the Chinese market.

// What does this mean?

Take coffee beans as an example. The original 8% tariff has been completely abolished. Businesses involved in the import of agricultural products, timber, and minerals will see a significant improvement in their cost structure. Calculated this way, the trade route between China and Africa in 2026 will either grow or suffer losses.

02 Why Choose South Africa? Real Data Reveals the Answer

Facing 53 African countries, why choose South Africa? South Africa is the largest economy in Africa, a member of the BRICS group, and also China's largest trading partner in Africa.

// Trade Volume - First in Africa

According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs of China, the total bilateral trade volume between China and South Africa reached 53.58 billion US dollars in 2025. South Africa has consistently held the position of China's top trading partner in Africa for many consecutive years, and bilateral trade remains active.

China's imports from South Africa: 23 billion US dollars

China's exports to South Africa: 30.58 billion US dollars

// Product Structure: Diversified Complementarity

// Highlights of agricultural products: Hazelnuts are the star.

Approximately 90% of South African cashew nuts are exported to China. Wandielle Siloboe, the chief economist of the South African Agricultural Chamber of Commerce, stated: Zero tariffs will make South African products such as fruits, meats, grains, and wines more competitive, with significant advantages over countries like Australia, Peru, and Chile.

// New Trend in Exports: Rise of High-Value-added Products

The competitiveness of China's new energy vehicles, energy storage equipment, and digital products has continued to increase. The exports to South Africa are shifting from traditional manufactured products to products with higher technological content and greater added value.

// Three Reasons for Choosing South Africa

Market maturity: With a solid economic foundation and a well-regulated trading system, it is one of the most mature trading markets in Africa.

Large trade volume: Bilateral trade amounts to nearly 50 billion US dollars, with ample room for growth.

Product diversity: Imported agricultural products and exported mechanical and electrical equipment both have mature demand and channels.

✅ If you plan to import, please pay special attention to the following items: citrus fruits, wine, pecans, beef, tea, and avocados.

✅ If you plan to export, you should focus on traditional product categories such as mechanical and electrical equipment, automobiles, textiles, etc.; as well as China's new energy vehicles, energy storage equipment and digital products. The competitiveness of these categories is continuously increasing.

03 What is the biggest pain point when doing business in South Africa?

⚠️ The bonus is here! Orders are not lacking, but many business owners engaged in African trade know very well: The most troublesome issue is not finding customers, but "how to get the money back?"

Problem 1: Traditional banks refuse to accept African remittances

Many traditional banks have extremely strict review procedures for remittances to African countries such as South Africa, and even outright refuse to accept funds from these regions. Even if the remittance is successful, the funds often need to pass through multiple intermediary banks, each of which incurs high handling fees, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount received upon arrival. The time it takes for the funds to arrive can range from 5 to 7 working days at the minimum to as long as half a month at the maximum, which greatly affects the efficiency of fund turnover.

Many customers have reported: "The money has arrived and the goods have also been delivered, but the money just won't go into the account."

Problem 2: Exchange rate fluctuations erode profits

The exchange rate of the South African rand has been fluctuating continuously, significantly influenced by international commodity prices and the domestic economic situation. For enterprises engaged in bilateral trade, if they receive payments when the rand is depreciating, their profits may be greatly eroded during the currency conversion process.

Problem 3: Limited domestic foreign exchange settlement quota

Receiving payments through personal accounts in the mainland is subject to an annual limit of $50,000 for foreign exchange conversion per person. This is far from sufficient for businesses with relatively large trade volumes. The opening of corporate accounts has high thresholds and slow approval processes, and using non-compliant channels for foreign exchange conversion also entails legal risks.

04 Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Bank (OCBC): Specialized in Solving the Problem of Inadequate Remittance Options in Africa

In response to these problems, Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Bank (OCBC) has provided a practical and feasible solution.

Advantage One: Extensive payment network coverage

As Chinese enterprises vigorously expand into emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Bank has promptly adjusted its business layout. It can handle remittances from 200+ countries and regions worldwide, covering both goods trade and service trade scenarios, and meeting various cross-border remittance needs. The business of the Overseas Chinese Bank is present in all over the world, including third-world countries like Africa, and it can smoothly receive overseas remittances from these regions. Whether your customers are in Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa, or in other African countries, the funds can safely and efficiently be transferred to your Hong Kong OCBC account.

Advantage Two: Multi-currency account, flexible response to exchange rate fluctuations

The OCBC account supports major global currencies such as US dollars, euros, offshore RMB, Hong Kong dollars, Japanese yen, and British pounds. The multi-currency account management enables you to flexibly choose the receiving currency based on the exchange rate trend, effectively reducing exchange losses. With one account managing over 10 currencies, you no longer need to worry about receiving payments in different currencies when conducting trade in Africa.

Advantage Three: Efficient and transparent fund disbursement

By receiving funds through OCBC's local bank in Hong Kong and leveraging Hong Kong's advanced clearing system, the arrival of mainstream currencies is usually controlled within 1-2 working days. Compared to the long waiting periods of 5-7 days or even longer in traditional channels, your capital turnover efficiency will be significantly improved and the cash flow pressure will be noticeably relieved.

OCBC Bank also offers the "Quick Transfer" QR code payment service, which enables instant payment and allows you to track the transaction progress in real time.

Advantage Four: The 2026 account opening policy has significantly lowered the threshold.

The Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Bank (OCBC) officially launched a new enterprise account opening policy in 2026:

No need for a mainland affiliated company: Purely Hong Kong-based companies and start-ups can all apply. 
Exemption from search fee: Those who meet the criteria can have up to HK$6,650 of the account opening costs waived. 
Remote face-to-face signature in the mainland: Complete the signature in a designated city within the mainland, without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person. 
Fast approval: More than 370 enterprises have completed account opening, with an average processing time of only 5.8 working days. 
Sufficient credit limit: The default daily transfer limit is as high as 3 million Hong Kong dollars, meeting the needs of cross-border remittances. 

⚡OCBC vs Traditional Banks: The Comparison Is Clear at a Glance 

05 Why should one register a Hong Kong company first? 

1. No foreign exchange control, free flow of funds 

2. Extremely low tax costs, with support for offshore exemptions 

3. High international reputation, facilitating the operation of letters of credit 

4. The combined advantages of Hong Kong company and OCBC account 

After registering a Hong Kong company, you can apply for an OCBC bank account. Once you have the Hong Kong company as your legal entity, every transaction in your trade with Central Africa will be supported by a compliant business entity. During the account opening process, you can provide complete business documents (contracts, invoices, bills of lading, etc.), which significantly enhances the stability of the bank account. 

06 Action Guide: Entering the Market Through Three Steps - Non-Trade Approach 

Step 1: Register a Hong Kong company 

Step 2: Open an OCBC account 

Step 3: Connect with suppliers in South Africa 

By implementing the zero-tariff policy, we will focus on high-quality products from South Africa: pecans, citrus fruits, wine, beef, Louisbourg tea, avocados; as well as electronic equipment, electronic products, new energy vehicle components, textiles, etc. for export to South Africa. 

May 1st, 2026 is approaching, and the policy window is opening. Contact us immediately to get a one-stop solution for Hong Kong company registration and OCBC account opening! 

Declaration: The policy information and accompanying images in this article are sourced from publicly available online materials, news images, and official information from the bank's website. They are provided solely for illustrative and explanatory purposes and are not intended for any commercial authorization. The images of related brands, products, and institutions are copyrighted by their respective rights holders. The bank policy information is derived from OCBC Bank's public information in 2026. The specific account opening conditions should be subject to the bank's real-time requirements. If there is any improper use, please contact us and we will handle it promptly. 


Shengsen International Business 
Since its establishment in 2012, Shengsen International Business has assisted over 100,000 enterprises in completing their compliance overseas expansion from the mainland to Hong Kong and then to the global market, providing full-cycle one-stop services. 
Why choose Shengsen? 
Professional team: 100+ experienced tax and compliance consultants, with 70% of the members having over 8 years of industry experience. 
Dual-headquarters advantage: Dual headquarters in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with physical operations, efficient and transparent service response 
Compliance qualifications: Hong Kong TCSP licensed secretarial company + accounting firm, providing a complete chain of compliance services 
Banking resources: Deeply cooperate with over 30 international banks to facilitate the efficient opening of Hong Kong accounts. 
Experience endorsement: Have served over 100,000 enterprises, with an annual audit pass rate of 100% and a customer retention rate exceeding 96% 
Full-service solution: registration, account opening, auditing, tax filing, and architecture setup - all in one, providing a comprehensive solution to cross-border challenges. 
Compliance is no trivial matter. Professional matters should be entrusted to professionals. 
For consulting services, please scan the QR code below 👇 or call (15302790432, the same number for WeChat), and we will arrange a senior cross-border tax and finance consultant for you to provide one-on-one professional interpretation and customized solutions.