The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) and the Trade Remedies Investigation Bureau (TRIB) of China have signed a renewed record of understanding (RoU) on trade remedy cooperation, strengthening institutional relations between the countries.

The RoU establishes a strengthened framework for cooperation between Itac and the TRIB on trade remedy matters, including antidumping, and countervailing and safeguard measures.

Specifically, it aims to enhance information and experience sharing between the two authorities and deepen technical cooperation and mutual understanding of trade remedy practices.

The agreement is also aimed at strengthening cooperation on market information, transparency and notification practices, consistent with applicable World Trade Organisation obligations, and supports cooperation in identifying and addressing potential circumvention of trade remedy measures, says Itac.

The RoU provides a foundation for continued engagement on trade remedy administration, technical capacity development and the promotion of fair, transparent and rules-based international trade.

Further, from August 24 to 28, an Itac delegation led by Chief Commissioner Ayabonga Cawe visited China to participate in the sixth session of the China–South Africa Trade Remedy Cooperation Mechanism, hosted by the TRIB, during which the RoU was signed.

The delegation also visited steelmaker Beijing Shougang Cold Rolling and automotive manufacturer Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) Hyperfactory.

These visits gave the delegation first-hand observations into the extent of automation in these large-scale manufacturing operations within China's industrial sector, and offered valuable insight into industries and sectors relevant to Itac's work and the broader international trade environment, Itac says.

The renewed RoU follows engagements between Itac and the TRIB in 2025, which were aimed at reviewing and modernising the cooperation arrangement that originally had been concluded in 2006 between Itac and the former Bureau of Fair Trade.

Itac also hosted a TRIB delegation in Pretoria in July 2025. The authorities engaged on the scope and content of a revised cooperation framework, including areas of cooperation, alignment with current international obligations, and practical mechanisms for engagement.

Additionally, technical engagements between the two authorities continued, culminating in the signing of the renewed RoU.

Itac says the engagements were productive and deepened the bilateral cooperation between the nations.

Itac looks forward to building on the outcomes of the sixth session and further strengthening cooperation and technical exchange with the TRIB, it says.