South Africa’s stone fruit industry has achieved a major milestone after Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen signed a new trade protocol with China, opening access to a R400 million export market....Click to Read More >>➤

Landmark Agreement for Stone Fruit Exports

The deal, finalised in Shanghai, grants South African farmers entry into one of the world’s largest fruit markets for five key stone fruit varieties — apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes. It is the first time China has approved multiple fruit types from a single country under one agreement.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

Minister Steenhuisen described the deal as a “game-changing opportunity” that will strengthen agricultural resilience and boost rural employment. The market is expected to generate R400 million in export value within five years and could double over the next decade.

The first export season, set for 2025/26, is projected to earn R28 million, creating around 350 new jobs on farms and in packhouses nationwide.

Minister John Steenhuisen inspecting fruit juice boxes.

Future Trade Opportunities

Steenhuisen also discussed the return of South African beef exports to China and invited a technical delegation to inspect local facilities — a move that could lead to new trade openings for cherries and blueberries.

This historic deal signals a new era of agricultural cooperation between South Africa and China, strengthening export diversity and rural economic growth.

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