The cargo vessel AN YANG 118 docks at the terminal. [Photo/Xiamen Port]

A shipment of inflatable pools, airbeds, and other outdoor products worth 200,000 yuan ($2,951) departed from Xiamen on June 18 aboard the cargo vessel AN YANG 118, bound for Cape Town, South Africa. 

This marked the official launch of a new pilot route under the Secure and Smart Trade Line Pilot Program (SSTL) between China and South Africa. It is the second SSTL route between China and other BRICS countries, following the existing Xiamen–Durban route.

The SSTL model is based on a customs partnership between China and South Africa that enables information sharing and mutual recognition of inspections. Goods from participating companies, once cleared by the exporting country, are generally exempt from re-inspection by the importing side. Both customs authorities also prioritize clearance for these shipments, significantly reducing costs for businesses.

The bustling Haitian Terminal. [Photo/VCG]

Between the launch of the first SSTL route in August 2025 and June 15 of this year, the cumulative export value along the route reached 85.04 million yuan ($12.55 million).

With its recent expansion into Cape Town, customs authorities of both sides have stepped up cooperation, resulting in a more than 60 percent improvement in customs clearance efficiency for exports to South Africa.

Cape Town was chosen as the destination port for the second route due to the strong trade ties between Xiamen and South Africa. According to data, Xiamen's total trade with South Africa reached 5.9 billion yuan from January to May, up 47.2 percent year on year.