China fruit trade deal could boost agriculture sector by R400m over five years

South Africa has signed a massive stone fruit trade deal with China, granting market access for apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes for the first time.

This deal marks the first time China has granted access for multiple stone fruits under one protocol.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the agreement could unlock R400 million for the sector over five years, with export earnings projected to double within a decade.

The 2025/26 export season is expected to generate R28million, which could rise to R54milion in the 2026/27 season.

“That is a big market. We should be thinking about how to widen and bring more products into that market. This is very exciting,” says agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo

To listen to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive, click the audio player below: