South Africa's trade agreements
South African exporters can tap several preferential trade deals — each opening a different market, each with its own rules of origin and certificate. Here's the map.
Reviewed 2026-06-25. Trade policy shifts — AGOA in particular is volatile — so confirm the current position for your market before relying on it.
SACU
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South AfricaThe Southern African Customs Union — a common external tariff and free movement of goods between members.
SADC FTA
Most SADC member statesDuty-free or preferential trade across Southern Africa for goods meeting the SADC Rules of Origin, using the SADC Certificate of Origin.
AfCFTA
African Union membersThe continental free trade area, phasing in tariff cuts across Africa. South Africa is implementing its commitments; coverage is still rolling out.
AGOA (US)
United StatesDuty-free access to the US for eligible Sub-Saharan countries — reauthorised only to 31 December 2026, with South Africa’s status politically uncertain.
SADC-EU EPA
European UnionThe Economic Partnership Agreement giving SADC EPA states improved access to the EU market under its own rules of origin.
Frequently asked questions
Which trade agreements can South African exporters use?
The main ones are the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the SADC Free Trade Area, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, the SACU-Mercosur and SACU-EFTA agreements, and (for the US) AGOA. Each has its own rules of origin and certificate.
What is AfCFTA and can I use it yet?
The African Continental Free Trade Area aims to create a single market across the African Union with phased tariff reductions. South Africa is implementing its commitments and trade under preferential terms has begun for many product lines, though full continent-wide coverage is still rolling out. Check the current status and rules of origin for your product and destination.
What is the status of AGOA for South Africa?
AGOA gives eligible Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US market. It was reauthorised only through 31 December 2026 (a one-year extension), and South Africa’s continued participation has become politically uncertain amid US tariff measures. Treat AGOA access as provisional and confirm the current position before relying on it.
How is AfCFTA different from SADC?
SADC is a regional free trade area covering Southern Africa; AfCFTA is continental, covering African Union members. They use different rules of origin and certificates. A shipment may qualify under one and not the other, so check which agreement gives the best treatment for your specific product and market.
Start with SADC — your closest markets
Check whether your goods qualify for duty-free SADC trade, then get the certificate.