South African cherries gain access to China in landmark export deal

South African cherry farmers have achieved a significant milestone by securing market access to China for the first time, opening a new export opportunity worth billions of rand and creating an estimated 600 jobs in the agricultural sector. On Tuesday during the 9th Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, Agriculture Minister Wille Aucamp signed the market access protocol with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) Minister Sun Meijun.

This agreement grants South African cherry producers the opportunity to tap into China's largest cherry-importing market, which saw China import around 586,900 tonnes of cherries worth US$3.3 billion or R52.8 billion in 2025. Aucamp commended China's efforts to expedite market access requests for South African agricultural products, noting that this achievement marks a historical first with two market access protocols being signed with China within a year.

The finalization of the cherry protocol is part of broader efforts by South Africa and China to grow agricultural trade between the two nations. The agreement also fulfills commitments under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which provides South Africa with 0% tariff market access to Chinese markets.

With this breakthrough, the government anticipates further investment in domestic cherry production and the creation of approximately 600 new jobs, contributing to inclusive economic growth and employment. Aucamp also engaged with Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum to capitalize on the newly-opened market.

Negotiations are underway to secure Chinese market access for locally produced blueberries, with discussions already at an advanced stage. Aucamp has requested that the South African team expedite its inputs and negotiations to finalize the blueberry import protocol before the end of 2026. In addition to the market access agreement, South Africa and China committed to enhancing cooperation on agricultural biosecurity.

Minister Aucamp met with China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, on Monday, September 7, discussing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and potential opportunities to open Chinese markets for South African agricultural products. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in mutually beneficial areas, including biosecurity and acquiring additional agricultural market access.