In a historic breakthrough for South Africa’s horticulture sector, local cherry producers have officially secured direct market access into China. The landmark Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) protocol was signed on 8 September 2026 in Beijing during the 9th SPS Ministerial Meeting.
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, signed the agreement alongside Minister Sun Meijun of the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC). The signing marks an unprecedented milestone for South African agricultural diplomacy, as it is the first time the country has successfully finalized two separate market access protocols with China within a single calendar year.
Unlocking a $3.3 Billion Global Market
China stands as the world’s leading importer of fresh cherries. During 2025 alone, China imported approximately 586,900 tons of cherries valued at US$3.3 billion (R52.8 billion). Opening this lucrative pipeline offers local stone fruit growers direct entry into one of the fastest-growing consumer segments in the world.
Under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, South African cherry shipments will enter the Chinese market benefiting from a 0% tariff rating. This preferential tariff treatment provides local producers and exporters with a substantial competitive advantage over competing southern hemisphere suppliers. Local producers are now positioning themselves to capture market share ahead of peak demand periods.
Economic Growth and Rural Job Creation
The opening of China’s market is expected to act as a major catalyst for fresh capital investment across the agricultural supply chain. Beyond direct farmgate revenue, the expansion will require increased capacity in cold-storage infrastructure, specialized packaging facilities, and logistics.
In line with government goals for inclusive economic development, the initiative is projected to create approximately 600 new direct job opportunities. To support local trade integration, Minister Aucamp and industry leaders met with key representatives of Chinese fruit import firms at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum, organized by FruitSA in Beijing.
Biosecurity and Trade Collaboration
Technical compliance and biosecurity remain central to maintaining long-term market access. During his official visit, Minister Aucamp engaged with China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, on 7 September 2026. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation on critical agricultural issues, particularly biosecurity alignment and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) management protocols.
Blueberries Next in Line
The cherry protocol represents only the first step in expanding South Africa’s fresh produce footprint in Asia. Negotiations granting market entry for South African blueberries are already at an advanced stage.
China has submitted a draft blueberry protocol to South African authorities for technical review. Minister Aucamp has instructed “Team South Africa” to fast-track input coordination, with the explicit goal of finalizing and signing the blueberry agreement before the end of 2026.