Tru-Cape has welcomed the signing of the CAEPA agreement between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and China, which will provide zero-tariff access for South African apples and pears from 1 May 2026.
The fruit marketing company described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and expanding opportunities for South African agricultural exports.
South African apple and pear exports to China are currently subject to a 10% import tariff. Under the new comprehensive economic partnership agreement, this will be progressively reduced to zero by May 2026.
Between 2024 and 2025, Tru-Cape’s volumes to China increased by 35%. The Chinese market opened to South African apples in 2015 and to pears in late 2021.
“If we can compete on an equal trade footing with key competitors in the East, such as New Zealand, it will create a level playing field and significantly enhance our competitiveness,” said Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director of Tru-Cape.
Also read: Free trade with China beckons for SA
Tariff Disparities Remain Problematic
However, Pienaar emphasised that further trade agreements and tariff reforms are essential for broader market access diversification. He highlighted India as a priority market where South African apples face a 50% import tariff and pears are subject to duties of between 30% and 35%.
South African apples and pears also face higher tariff barriers in the United Kingdom and European Union markets compared to major Southern Hemisphere competitors.
“The fact that South Africa is subjected to significantly higher tariffs than our biggest Southern Hemisphere competitors makes a material difference to our global competitiveness,” Pienaar said.
“More favourable tariff agreements would not only strengthen our position on international markets, but would also place more funds in producers’ hands for on-farm investment and, ultimately, job creation.”
Also read: Santam to host international seminar to assess the impact of hail on apples and plums
Market Diversification Crucial
Pienaar stressed the importance of accessing markets not yet open to South African apples and pears. More than a decade ago, Tru-Cape’s Far East programme was concentrated in Malaysia and Singapore. Today, the company exports to China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
“It is vital that we are able to market the entire apple and pear bin,” he said. “Access to multiple markets creates alternatives for placing different varieties, sizes and grades. Overreliance on a single market is never advisable – diversification allows us to spread risk, manage debtor exposure and build a more resilient industry.”
The industry hopes to gain access to the Philippines soon, while Taiwan should be reopened to South African apples, according to Pienaar.
Tru-Cape acknowledged the role of Hortgro, Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum and Agbiz in communicating progress on market access and tariff negotiations.
“We commend government for the progress made with China and urge continued prioritisation of expanded market access and more favourable tariff agreements,” Pienaar concluded.
Also read: Minister Steenhuisen applauds first season shipment of SA’s avocados to China
