The South African citrus industry has welcomed China’s amendment to the plant health protocol governing citrus exports, with industry leaders describing the development as a significant milestone that will boost the country’s presence in the lucrative Chinese market.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Hannes de Waal, Vice Chair of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), expressed the industry’s enthusiasm for the new arrangements while speaking at the signing ceremony of the Supplementary Phytosanitary Requirement for Export of South African Citrus Fruits to China held in Pretoria. “The Citrus Growers’ Association warmly welcomes China’s amendment of the citrus protocol, especially the addition of new cold treatment options,” De Waal stated.
“This development builds on a longstanding partnership between our two nations, dating back to the first protocol signed in 2005, and reflects deep collaboration between our respective research institutions,” he added, highlighting the nearly two-decade relationship that has underpinned South Africa’s citrus exports to China.
The amendment introduces additional phytosanitary pest risk mitigation treatment options, representing a science-based approach to plant health compliance that reflects collaborative research efforts between South African and Chinese authorities.
Also read: China-South Africa citrus agreement opens new chapter in agricultural partnership
CEO Emphasises Commitment to Partnership
CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele reinforced the industry’s commitment to strengthening ties with international partners. “The CGA remains committed to working closely with government and international partners to strengthen market access, uphold high phytosanitary standards and support the sustainable growth of the citrus industry,” Ntshabele said.
Dr Ntshabele expressed sincere appreciation to both South African and Chinese authorities for their collaboration in achieving this milestone, affirming the Association’s commitment to continued partnership in advancing mutually beneficial trade relationships.
The CGA leadership has also welcomed broader economic cooperation developments, including the Economic Partnership Agreement Framework signed in February 2026 and planned unilateral tariff reductions that are expected to enhance South African citrus competitiveness in China.
Also read: Million-rand deals await, but only prepared citrus farmers will win – CGA CEO
Minister Highlights Strategic Importance
John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, emphasised the broader significance of the agreement within South Africa’s agricultural diversification strategy. “South Africa places a high value on its relationship with China, which continues to create meaningful opportunities across our agricultural sector,” Minister Steenhuisen noted, describing the agreements as results of “trust, respect and sustained cooperation.”
Tangible Benefits Across the Value Chain
The amended protocol is expected to deliver substantial benefits for both South African producers and Chinese consumers. The inclusion of improved treatment options will increase the quality of fruit reaching Chinese markets whilst reducing costs and improving export efficiencies for local producers and exporters.
South Africa’s citrus industry provides crucial counter-seasonal supply to China, complementing domestic Chinese production and keeping consumers supplied with fresh citrus year-round. China represents a well-established destination for South African citrus, particularly Navel oranges, lemons and grapefruit – categories highly valued by Chinese consumers.
Also read: ‘End the silo mentality in citrus transformation’ – CGA-GDC’s Andrew Mbedzi
Significant Market Opportunity
Whilst exports to China and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 11.5 million cartons (6%) of total exports in 2025, industry leaders see significant opportunity to expand this share, supported by strong consumer demand and the complementary seasonal supply advantage.
The CGA continues advocating for citrus inclusion in the “Early Harvest agreement”, which would allow the industry to benefit from tariff improvements as early as possible in the 2026 season.
Industry Foundation for Economic Growth
South Africa’s citrus sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural performance, with the industry exporting approximately 193 million cartons in 2025, reinforcing its position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter. Export earnings exceeded US$2 billion for the first time, reaching an estimated US$2.47 billion in foreign exchange revenue.
The industry supports approximately 140 000 direct jobs at farm and packhouse level, with broader employment across the value chain including logistics, export services and international distribution, forming the economic foundation of many rural communities across the country.
Also read:
What South Africa’s citrus success tells us about meaningful transformation
AGOA extension offers little relief for SA’s citrus exports
