Chery Takes Over Nissan’s South Africa Plant, Targeting Mid-2027 Output as China Exports Hit $225 Billion
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Chery Takes Over Nissan’s South Africa Plant, Targeting Mid-2027 Output as China Exports Hit $225 Billion
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Summary
Chery has formally taken over Nissan’s Rosslyn plant near Johannesburg and plans to start producing Chinese models such as Jetour in South Africa by mid-2027 after spending millions on upgrades.
The move extends China’s push from exporting cars into local manufacturing in Africa, where Chinese brands already account for an estimated 17% to 40% of South African vehicle sales.
Analysts say the broader pattern is squeezing African industry: China buys raw materials and critical minerals, then ships back subsidized finished goods that undercut local manufacturers.
Trade figures underscore the imbalance. Chinese exports to Africa reached $225 billion in 2025, versus about $123 billion of imports from Africa; total China-Africa trade was put at $348 billion last year.
Washington is trying to counter that influence with 37 African commercial deals worth $25.67 billion, but U.S.-Africa goods trade at $83.4 billion still trails China’s footprint by a wide margin.