More and faster shipments: African fruit imports thrive in China under zero-tariff import policy

Six months after China implemented zero-tariff entry for African goods, imports from the continent have surged. According to local media outlet Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, Shenzhen Customs District reported 2,424 shipments valued at ¥799 million ($119 million), nearly half of them fruit. 

The categories benefiting the most from this initiative are African pome fruit and citrus, thanks to a staggered season that effectively supplements the Chinese harvest in winter and spring.

For grapefruit, the zero-tariff policy reduced import taxes from 12 percent to zero, saving about ¥20,000 yuan ($3,000) per shipment.

Image by Tru-Cape

The price competitiveness of varieties such as Egyptian oranges, South African grapefruits, and fresh pears has also increased significantly, leading to higher imports and a steady rise in the supply of African fruits in the market over the past six months.

More and faster imports under zero-tariff policy

To capitalize on the benefits of the zero-tariff policy, Shenzhen Customs has introduced a series of measures to further facilitate shipments, including advance declaration and intelligent verification. They say this is possible through intelligent supervision across the entire fruit import chain, which includes port and testing technology and even an inspection robot that enables immediate sample inspection upon arrival. 

Using intelligent label recognition algorithms, elements such as product name and country of origin are verified in seconds, improving overall inspection efficiency by more than 30 percent and helping fresh African fruit enter the Chinese market faster, the health authority explained to Shenzhen Special Zone Daily.

Tru-Cape celebrates zero-tariff entry to China

On the other end of the supply chain, South African grower and exporter Tru-Cape is already reaping the benefits of entering China under the zero-tariff policy, with levies slashed from 10 percent before the policy took effect. 

Image by Tru Cape

“The playing field is now definitely level, with all Southern Hemisphere countries enjoying a zero tariff,” says the company’s Marketing Director, Conrad Fick.

The company reports a 50 percent surge in shipments to the Asian Giant, creating more opportunities for a category where Tru-Cape enjoys a 20 percent market share. According to Fick, Royal Gala Red and Royal Beaut apples are performing “particularly well,” while Flash Gala is gaining traction.

The executive noted that China remains a premium market for apples, where large volumes are not enough, and high quality is non-negotiable. He mentioned that competition from other Southern Hemisphere producers is fierce, but the country’s fruit has clear strengths the company is leveraging. 

Image by Tru Cape

“Chinese consumers appreciate the flavor profile of South African apples. We can also produce apples more cost-effectively than New Zealand, while our shipping times are shorter than those of Chilean exporters,” Fick explained.

On the flip side, rising African volumes have put pressure on apple prices in China, underscoring the importance of balancing volume growth with demand, quality, and the ability to secure sustainable returns for producers.

*All images courtesy of Tru-Cape.

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