South Africa-Russia Trade Growth Reflects Strategic Shift Toward Diversification, Says Economist
South Africa-Russia Trade Growth Reflects Strategic Shift Toward Diversification, Says Economist
Bilateral trade between the two BRICS members rose by over 6% to about $908 million in 2025, driven by geopolitical shifts and Pretoria's strategy to expand its trading partnerships, Dr. Frederich Kirsten of the University of Johannesburg told Sputnik Africa.
Key points from the interview with the economist:
🟠Trade growth reflects global realignment due to US tariffs and South Africa’s drive—via stronger BRICS ties—to expand its global trade footprint.
🟠Increased trade with Russia is especially vital for sectors like agriculture, where food security matters.
🟠South Africa seeks reliable export partners but must diversify away from overdependence on developed markets, whose tariffs can severely damage access.
🟠Logistics offers major potential for deeper trade, boosted by recent public-private upgrades to freight capacity; energy cooperation also holds promise for knowledge exchange.
🟠Emerging BRICS economies are key to advancing the bloc as the world shifts toward “blocs of strength” rather than a single global leader.
🟠Over-reliance on any one partner should be avoided—strengthening intra-African and South-South trade is essential.
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