South Africa has signed a new trade protocol with China that will allow the export of South African stone fruit to the Chinese market for the first time. The agreement was concluded in Shanghai between South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and China's Minister of the General Administration of Customs, Sun Meijun.
The protocol grants access for five types of South African stone fruit: Apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes. It is the first agreement under which China has opened its market to multiple stone fruit types from one country in a single negotiation.
Minister Steenhuisen said the deal forms part of a wider effort to expand export markets and reduce dependence on traditional buyers. He noted that the agreement aligns with changing global consumption patterns, particularly the growing demand for fruit among China's middle-class consumers.
According to estimates shared by the Ministry of Agriculture, access to the Chinese market could generate around R400 million (US$21.6 million) in export value over the next five years, potentially doubling within the next decade. The first export season in 2025/26 is expected to reach about R28 million (US$1.5 million), increasing to R54 million (US$2.9 million) the following year.
China's imports of peaches, nectarines, and plums have increased steadily, reaching more than 21 million cartons of peaches and nectarines and 20 million cartons of plums in 2024 — volumes exceeding South Africa's total seasonal exports.
Market access under the new protocol is expected to enable South African growers to export a greater share of their harvest at competitive prices. Improved demand from China, together with balanced exports to other destinations, could support farm-level investment and new orchard development. Government projections indicate that the deal could support around 350 direct on-farm and packhouse jobs and a total of roughly 600 jobs across the supply chain, including logistics and packaging.
During discussions with Chinese officials, Minister Steenhuisen also raised the issue of resuming beef exports from specific South African regions affected by foot-and-mouth disease. He invited a GACC technical team to visit South Africa to inspect cherry and blueberry orchards and packhouses during the current harvest. If inspections proceed as planned, South Africa could gain access to the Chinese cherry market in the next harvest cycle.
The visit also included discussions on logistics and trade facilitation. Chinese investment in South African transport and port infrastructure, aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, was highlighted as a factor improving export efficiency. Both parties reaffirmed their intention to strengthen agricultural trade ties and expand cooperation in the fruit sector.
For more information:
Ms Joylene van Wyk
South African Department of Agriculture
Tel: +27 (0) 83 292 7399
Email: [email protected]
www.gov.za
