China drinks more tea than anywhere else on earth. And as of 1 May 2026, South Africa’s beloved Rooibos just got a lot more welcome there.
China’s new zero-tariff policy on imports from African countries including South Africa, means Rooibos can now enter the world’s largest tea-consuming market completely duty-free. It’s the latest and most significant step in a trade relationship that has been quietly building momentum for years.
From 30% to Zero: How We Got Here
This didn’t happen overnight. In 2024, China already cut import tariffs on Rooibos from as high as 30% down to around 6% – a move that immediately improved the product’s competitiveness on Chinese shelves. The new zero-tariff policy takes that a step further, removing the final cost barrier standing between South African producers and one of the most lucrative beverage markets in the world.
For an industry rooted in the red soils of the Cederberg, this is a big deal.
What This Means for the Industry
The South African Rooibos Council (SARC) has welcomed the development, calling it a significant opportunity to grow the industry’s global footprint.
“This development enhances the competitiveness of Rooibos by removing cost barriers and improving market access for local producers and exporters,” says Dawie de Villiers, Director of the SARC. “It also creates an opportunity to introduce Rooibos to a broader audience, positioning it alongside established tea varieties while highlighting its unique taste profile and natural health benefits.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Chinese consumers are increasingly gravitating towards premium, caffeine-free and health-conscious beverages – a space where Rooibos, with its naturally sweet flavour, antioxidant properties and zero caffeine, is uniquely positioned to compete.
More Than Export Numbers
The ripple effect of this market opening extends well beyond trade statistics. The SARC believes the development will stimulate export volumes, support industry growth and create jobs across the entire value chain from farming communities in the Cederberg to processing facilities and distribution networks across the country.
South Africa already has a foot in the door. This is about opening it wider.
The Bigger Picture
Rooibos is one of South Africa’s most distinctive exports — a product that genuinely cannot be grown anywhere else in the world. With tariff-free access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers who already have a deep cultural relationship with tea, the opportunity to build lasting demand for Rooibos in China is as real as it has ever been.
The SARC says it is committed to working with stakeholders to build awareness and drive demand, turning this policy milestone into long-term commercial value for the sector and the broader South African economy.
The golden ticket is in hand. Now comes the work of making the most of it.
