South Africa aims to enhance its agricultural exports to China by leveraging BRICS collaboration, seizing on increased demand as reported by exporters in the sector. The nation's agricultural sector has seen growth, bolstered by opportunities arising from expanding trade routes.
Riyp, a South African fruit and vegetable exporter distributing produce globally, has noted escalating interest from China. "When we started, we started only with citrus into China, and that volume has been growing year on year. But more recently, we've also seen an increase in demand for our apples, as well as our grapes from the Chinese market," stated Uzair Essack, owner and managing director at Riyp.
Following the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, South African exports experienced a boost, with China's demand for South African produce heightening. Essack highlighted the benefits of BRICS relations, stating, "BRICS has definitely helped South African and Chinese trade. There's usually a lot of red tape when it comes to regulations and certifications regarding the fresh produce industry. But with BRICS and the support that they've given us, new varieties, new fruit cultivars, and new types of fruit are now being exported to China."
Shifts in Chinese consumer preferences are increasing interest in South African products, including wine. Andrew Ing, founder of Gun Bay Wines, remarked on this development, "There is a much greater appreciation now for new world wines in particular… the growth opportunities are massive."
Nuts, an import priority for China, are supplied by South African producers. Wolfe Braude from the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa suggested potential growth in exports, stating that challenges remain in capturing a larger market share.
Source: Bastille Post