by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- China offers South African fruit growers an opportunity to diversify their export markets and reduce reliance on traditional destinations, while its vast consumer market holds significant long-term growth potential, an industry representative has said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Pieter-Steyn de Wet, information manager at Hortgro-Cherries, which represents commercial cherry growers in South Africa, highlighted China's potential as a major export destination, noting that the country imported approximately 586,900 tonnes of cherries in 2025.
South Africa and China have signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh cherries, paving the way for South African cherries to enter the Chinese market. The fruit could also benefit from China's zero-tariff treatment for qualifying products from African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
"Zero-tariff access enhances the competitiveness of South African cherries by reducing landed costs for Chinese importers," de Wet said.
"While zero-tariff access is an important advantage, it will not be sufficient on its own," de Wet said, warning that exporters must compete through "efficient logistics, consistent quality, reliable supply, and competitive pricing."
Beyond the immediate trade prospects, access to China could support the continued expansion of South Africa's burgeoning cherry sector. "Access to China provides a critical outlet for our scaling production and will encourage continued investment in orchards, packhouse capacity, and cold-chain infrastructure," de Wet said.
However, he cautioned that "investment and export growth will ultimately depend on market demand, sustained profitability, and our international competitiveness."
Beyond cherries, China could also serve as an alternative destination for South Africa's broader range of stone fruits, buffering growers against logistics bottlenecks and geopolitical disruptions affecting shipping routes through the Middle East.
"South African stone fruit offers promising avenues in China," de Wet said, noting that protocols governing the export of peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines had already been signed, with commercial shipments expanding.
"Continued investment in market development, consumer insights, product quality, and reliable supply chains will be essential to unlocking this potential," de Wet said.
To capitalize on these opportunities, establishing a lasting presence in China will require South African exporters to navigate stiff competition from established suppliers, high transport costs, logistical bottlenecks and stringent phytosanitary requirements, he said.
Describing the Chinese market as "highly discerning," de Wet emphasized that long-term success also hinges on strict adherence to local consumer preferences and quality expectations.
Closer cooperation between South Africa and China in agricultural research, post-harvest technology and trade promotion could further deepen bilateral agricultural ties, he said.
"Our long-term objective is to build a diversified, competitive, and sustainable agricultural export sector that delivers fair returns for producers, creates jobs, and contributes meaningfully to economic growth," de Wet said. ■