The South African fruit industry has started the year on a positive note. Four times more apples were exported to India this year compared to 2023, while plums were exported to China for the first time.
By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Although the apple export season to India started a week later than usual last year, 56 521 cartons had been exported by week 8, says Hortgro agricultural economist Pieter-Steyn de Wet. This year, however, the season started a week earlier and 231 215 cartons were exported during the corresponding period.
Apple shipments to India usually start in week 5 or 6 and end around week 30. South Africa exported about 2,87 million cartons of apples to India last year. According to De Wet, higher volumes are expected this season, particularly if the 50% tariff on South African apples is reduced.
Jacques du Preez, trade and markets manager at Hortgro, says although significant structural and systemic challenges remain at the Cape Town port – from where most apples are exported – conditions are expected to improve gradually. “However, the port is still far from where it needs to be.”
He adds that it is helpful that the Far East market is currently more stable.
Unseasonal weather overturns apple cart
Although the harvest and export season started well for the local pome fruit industry, severe hail and windstorms in parts of the Langkloof and Ceres affected yields in Krakeel, Louterwater, Joubertina and the Koue-Bokkeveld in particular. Producers in these areas lost between 5% and 17% of their crop.
According to Hortgro, strong winds of up to 120km/h near Krakeel damaged not only fruit but also hail nets and other farm infrastructure.
There has been no severe weather in the Elgin, Grabouw, Vyeboom and Villiersdorp region, however, and a large crop is expected there. Despite high wind speeds across the Western Cape, wind damage to fruit has been less extensive than initially anticipated.
Hortgro estimates that 49,4 million cartons of apples will be exported this season, in line with the previous season, while pear exports are projected at 20,6 million cartons – 11% lower than last season.
Also read: AMT Fresh Produce Outlook | Fruit markets under pressure
SA plums exported to China for the first time
Meanwhile, 20 000 cartons of South African plums were exported to China last week after John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, signed a protocol for their export in October last year. Protocols for the export of cherries and blueberries to China are also expected to be signed soon.
The protocol follows the conclusion of a bilateral trade agreement granting South Africa tariff-free access to the Chinese market. China imports an estimated $200 billion worth of agricultural products annually. South Africa’s 0,4% share of this trade is currently valued at R400 billion. According to Steenhuisen, government aims to double this over the next four years.
According to Beyers Smit, DA member of the portfolio committee on agriculture, it is encouraging that the first shipment was dispatched so quickly, as the swift implementation of new market access agreements is crucial for the agricultural sector. “Timing, logistics and market response have a direct impact on farm income, job security and export competitiveness.”
He says the protocol with China has the potential to unlock hundreds of millions of rand in export value, support new employment opportunities on farms and stimulate investment. “By diversifying beyond traditional buyers and tapping into growing demand in markets such as China, South Africa is strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector and reducing its vulnerability to external trade shocks that have unfortunately become a reality in a changing geopolitical landscape.”
Also read:
SA secures new export market for table grapes in South Korea
Effective logistics are the heart of an effective agricultural export strategy
China deal encouraging, but tariff reform must continue
