South Africa has achieved a major breakthrough in agricultural trade, securing access to China’s market for five types of stone fruit under a single trade protocol — the first agreement of its kind granted by Beijing to any country.
The deal, signed on Wednesday in Shanghai by South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and China’s General Administration of Customs Minister Sun Meijun, opens the door for exports of South African apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes to China.
“This is a major breakthrough for South African fruit producers and exporters at a time when diversification is essential for our agricultural resilience,” Steenhuisen said during the signing ceremony. He added that the agreement supports South Africa’s goal of reducing dependence on traditional export markets and capitalizing on China’s growing consumer demand, driven by its expanding middle class.
The trade protocol is expected to unlock an estimated R400 million in export value over the next five years, with projections doubling by 2035. For the inaugural 2025/26 season, exports could reach R28 million, increasing to R54 million the following year.
China’s annual stone fruit imports already exceed South Africa’s total seasonal output — importing more than 21 million cartons of peaches and nectarines and 20 million cartons of plums last year alone — highlighting the scale of potential growth for South African producers.
The agreement is also expected to create significant employment opportunities, with estimates suggesting 350 new direct jobs on farms and in packhouses, and up to 600 additional positions in related industries such as transport and packaging.
During the visit, Steenhuisen also discussed the possible resumption of beef exports from select South African regions and reviewed progress on foot-and-mouth disease control measures. He invited a Chinese technical team to inspect South Africa’s cherry and blueberry orchards — a step that could pave the way for further market access in the future.
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Source:Africa Publicity
