China is helping BRICS members, where the US has left them to fend for themselves. Farmers in South Africa are reeling under pressure from trade wars and tariffs from the White House. Just a few years ago, trade deals with the US were the cornerstone for all of South Africa’s agriculture exports.
The protectionist measures from the US have shaken the bedrock of free trade. China is leveraging the situation by opening the market to BRICS member South Africa to gain access to its agricultural products. China has rolled out the welcome mat to South Africa, allowing its farmers to gain access to stone fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, apricots, and cherries.
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BRICS: A Strategic Shift in Agricultural Products
The strategic shift from the US to China is bringing the BRICS alliance much closer. South Africa’s Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen signed the deal with China, and farmers have welcomed the move. Estimates point out that the market is worth close to 400 million rand ($23.3 million).
“This agreement forms part of South Africa’s efforts to diversify trade by capitalizing on growing consumer demand in emerging markets,” said Steenhuisen. This is the first time that China has approved multiple fruit deals with a single BRICS country. The Communist country has been leveraging its agricultural policies in 2025.
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From soybean procurement to other fruits and agricultural products, the BRICS nation is not only controlling but is also opening up its markets. “We must engage now while this window of opportunity remains open,” said South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. He called the “widespread tariff measures” from the US a self-destructive measure that could hamper its own economy.
The free market and trade realignment from the US to BRICS is a pivoting point in history. While the US is distancing itself through tariffs, China is using the opportunity to push its agenda. The stage for China to grow is set by none other than the US foreign policies.