Raw materials account for most of South Africa's exports to China but businesses in other sectors, including wine, are waking up to the potential of eastern markets, writes Richard Lapper.

By the end of August, sales of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay to China had risen nearly three times compared with the same period last year. “The Chinese used to buy in bulk, mix it with their local product and sell it as wine of China. Now they buy branded wines,” says Michaela Stander, Asia marketing manager for Wines of South Africa.

All told, South Africa's exports increased to R32.5bn ($4.4bn, €2.9bn, ￡2.7bn) in the first seven months of the year, according to figures from the Department of Trade and Industry, a rise of 46 per cent on the same period in 2008. China's emergence as the leading importer into South Africa has underlined the importance of trade ties between the two countries.