A historic first for fruit export: SA plums land in China

South Africa has reached a major milestone in agricultural trade, with the country’s first consignment of stone fruit officially departing for China.

John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, visited the Freshness First Packhouse in Franschhoek on 18 February alongside Wu Peng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, to mark the occasion.

The inaugural shipment consists of approximately 20 000 cartons of premium plums, mainly the African Delight and Ruby Star varieties.

SA stone fruit being exported to China

The export marks the formal implementation of a long-negotiated stone fruit trade protocol between South Africa and China.

The agreement grants South African produce 0% tariff access to the Chinese market, significantly improving the competitiveness of local growers.

Steenhuisen described access to China as a strategic necessity for South Africa’s agricultural resilience and economic growth, rather than simply a new opportunity.

China imports an estimated $200 billion worth of agricultural products annually, but South Africa currently holds only about 0.4% of that market.

Government aims to significantly expand its footprint, with plans to double the current R400 million in exports to China over the next four years.

Officials say the new plum exports could also help offset the impact of tariffs imposed by other trading partners, particularly on deciduous fruit.

More fruit to follow

The plum shipment also represents the first phase of a broader expansion strategy.

Government is in the final stages of concluding a trade protocol for cherries, with a separate protocol for blueberries expected later this year.

Industry leaders, growers and packhouse staff were commended for meeting China’s strict phytosanitary requirements, which were key to unlocking access to the market.

The development is expected to provide new growth opportunities for South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector, particularly in the Western Cape, where much of the country’s stone fruit is produced.