South African cherry producers have secured access to the Chinese market for the first time following the signing of an export protocol between the two countries, opening the door to one of the world’s biggest markets for the fruit.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp signed the protocol with Sun Meijun of the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC) during the ninth Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on 8 September.
The Department of Agriculture described the agreement as a landmark development for South African cherry producers. “This achievement is record-breaking as it is the first time two market access protocols have been signed with China within a year,” Aucamp said.
“We truly appreciate China’s efforts to speed up our market access requests for South African agriculture products.”
Also read: CGA hails China citrus protocol amendment as game-changer for SA exports
China imported R52.8bn worth of cherries
The potential market is significant for South African producers.
China is the world’s largest importer of cherries, the department said. The country imported about 586 900 tonnes of cherries in 2025, valued at approximately US$3.3 billion, or R52.8 billion.
The protocol was also finalised against the backdrop of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which provides South Africa with 0% tariff market access to Chinese markets.
The department expects the opening of the Chinese market to stimulate further investment in South African cherry production and potentially create about 600 new jobs.
During his visit, Aucamp also met representatives of Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum organised by FruitSA.
Also read: China-South Africa citrus agreement opens new chapter in agricultural partnership
Blueberries could be next
South Africa is also making progress in negotiations to gain access to the Chinese market for locally produced blueberries.
“There is more to come between South Africa and China now that the negotiations to grant market access for South African blueberries to China are at an advanced stage,” Aucamp said.
China has submitted a draft blueberry import protocol to South Africa for consideration.
Aucamp has asked the South African team involved in the process to fast-track its inputs and negotiations, with the aim of finalising the protocol before the end of 2026.
The minister also met China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, on 7 September.
The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in areas including biosecurity, particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), as well as securing additional market-access opportunities for South African agricultural products, the department said.
Also read:
SA fruit industry tastes sweet success in India and China
China, tariffs, Africa, agriculture and the hope for more exports
