South African cherries break into the Chinese market for the first time

South Africa made a new significant stride in the expansion of its fruit exports by signing a phytosanitary protocol granting local cherries market access to China.

At the signing held in Beijing, South African Minister of Agriculture, Wille Aucamp, emphasized the historic nature of this milestone, as it is the first time that the African country has signed two access protocols to the Chinese market in a single year.

“We greatly value China's efforts to fast-track our access applications for South African agricultural products,” the minister stated.

China, a strategic market for cherries

The deal acquires special significance due to the sheer size of the cherry market in China. In 2025, the Asian giant imported nearly 586,900 metric tons of the fruit, valued at approximately $3.3 billion.

According to Aucamp, the protocol confirms the countries’ commitment to expand and diversify agricultural trade within the Economic Partnership Framework Agreement for Shared Development, which provides for zero-tariff access to China for South African products.

The minister also held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, where both parties reaffirmed their intention to continue making progress on biosecurity issues and new market access opportunities.

Blueberries, the next objective

Meanwhile, South Africa seeks to advance the opening of the Chinese market for its blueberries, and is now analyzing a first draft protocol submitted by the Asian giant.

Aucamp requested expediting the coordination and negotiations to finalize the protocol before the end of the year.

Pretoria expects the opening of the cherry market will also stimulate new investments in production and create around 600 jobs, in line with its inclusive economic growth strategy.

*Lead photo National Department of Agriculture via LinkedIn. 

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