South Africa is interested in strengthening trade relations with developing country partners and is articulating a strong ‘Look East’ policy. Trade links with China and India seem to be high on the agenda. This is important in the context of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) too. South Africa is the largest and most developed country in this customs union, and its preferences are likely to influence SACU’s trade agenda.
This book assesses the potential impact of a free trade agreement (FTA) between South Africa (SACU) and China, and an FTA with India. These are two very fast growing developing countries which are also important sources of foreign direct investment in Africa. The two FTAs are likely to deliver very different impacts, and to raise important policy questions for South Africa and SACU.