In brief
A South African industry representative said China’s new trade protocol and zero‑tariff access give growers a chance to expand exports, but market success will hinge on efficient logistics, consistent quality and competitive pricing. The policy could spur investment in orchards and cold‑chain infrastructure for cherries and other stone fruits.
In Johannesburg on November 1, South African fruit growers were told of a new opportunity to broaden their export markets to China. The Xinhua agency carried a statement from Pieter‑Steyn de Wet, the information manager of Hortgro‑Cherries, which represents commercial cherry growers in the country.
De Wet said China’s vast consumer base holds great potential for South Africa’s fruit industry. China imported 586,900 tonnes of cherries in 2025, and the two countries have signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh cherries. This agreement paves the way for South African cherries to enter the Chinese market.
Zero‑tariff access enhances the competitiveness of South African cherries by reducing landed costs for Chinese importers.
De Wet pointed out that the tariff concession is only one piece of the puzzle. “While zero‑tariff access is an important advantage, it will not be sufficient on its own,” he said, warning that exporters must compete through efficient logistics, consistent quality, reliable supply, and competitive pricing.
Access to China provides a critical outlet for our scaling production and will encourage continued investment in orchards, packhouse capacity, and cold‑chain infrastructure.
He cautioned that investment and export growth “will ultimately depend on market demand, sustained profitability, and our international competitiveness.” The additional market could support the expanding cherry sector, and it may also relieve growers from the logistics bottlenecks and geopolitical disruptions that can affect shipping routes through the Middle East.
Beyond cherries, de Wet highlighted that China could become an alternative destination for South Africa’s wider range of stone fruits, including peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines. Protocols governing the export of these fruits had already been signed, and commercial shipments were expanding.
South African stone fruit offers promising avenues in China.
To fully realise this potential, growers will need to invest in market development and consumer engagement. Success will hinge on maintaining high quality standards and achieving cost efficiencies that can match large Chinese importers’ expectations.
