South Africa finalizes first stone fruit shipment to China, opening a new chapter for its export industry

South Africa took a historic step in its market diversification strategy by finalizing the first shipment of stone fruit to China. The move officially marks the start of the commercial protocol between the two countries, signed in April 2025 in Shanghai.

As reported by the Government of South Africa, the milestone was achieved with the departure of a shipment of 20,000 boxes of premium plums, mainly the African Delight and Ruby Star varieties. 

The stone fruit shipment was prepared at the Freshness First packhouse in Franschhoek in the presence of South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in the country, Wu Peng.

During the activity, held on February 18, Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of opening the Chinese market, as it is “a strategic necessity, not just an opportunity for the country's agricultural resilience."

Zero-tariff access for South African stone fruit

The shipment was finalized after the signing of a bilateral agreement granting South African products zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, strengthening the competitiveness of local exporters in an increasingly challenging global scenario.

According to Steenhuisen, implementing the protocol for stone fruit will help mitigate the impact of tariffs applied by other trading partners, especially in the case of plums.

The plum shipment constitutes the first phase of a broader expansion strategy toward China. Authorities confirmed that the country is in the final stage of closing an export protocol for other stone fruit, such as cherries, while an agreement for blueberries could be finalized later this year.

The sector highlights that access to the Chinese market has been the result of years of joint work between authorities and the industry, especially in complying with demanding phytosanitary standards.

With this first shipment, South Africa not only expands its presence in Asia but also strengthens its position as a reliable supplier of high-quality stone fruit in one of the most important markets in global agricultural trade.

*All images courtesy of John Steenhuisen via X

Related stories

South Africa's 2026 apple exports projected to climb five percent while pear volumes decline

South Africa gains market access to export fresh table grapes to Korea