South African cherry producers have gained access to China for the first time after Agriculture Minister Wille Aucamp signed a landmark market access protocol in Beijing….reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African cherry producers have gained access to the Chinese market for the first time after Agriculture Minister Wille Aucamp signed a landmark market access protocol with Chinese authorities.
The protocol was signed on September 8 during the ninth Sanitary and Phytosanitary Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, with Aucamp signing alongside Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs.
“This achievement is record-breaking as it is the first time that two market access protocols have been signed with China within a year,” Aucamp said, thanking China for speeding up South Africa’s requests for greater access for agricultural products.
The agreement is expected to create significant opportunities for South Africa’s cherry industry, with China being the world’s largest importer of cherries.
China imported about 586,900 tonnes of cherries in 2025, valued at around US$3.3 billion, or approximately R52.8 billion, according to South Africa’s Department of Agriculture.
Aucamp said the agreement reflected the strong bilateral relationship between South Africa and China and their commitment to expanding agricultural trade.
He described the finalisation of the cherry protocol as confirmation of commitments under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which provides South Africa with zero tariff market access to Chinese markets.
The opening of the Chinese market is also expected to encourage investment in South Africa’s cherry production sector and create about 600 new jobs, in line with the government’s focus on inclusive economic growth and employment.
During his visit to Beijing, Aucamp also held talks with China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, on September 7.
The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in areas including biosecurity, particularly foot and mouth disease, as well as securing further market access for South African agricultural products.
Aucamp also met representatives of Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa China Fruit Trade Business Forum, organised by FruitSA.
The cherry agreement comes as negotiations continue over access for South African blueberries to the Chinese market.
“There is more to come between South Africa and China now that the negotiations to grant market access for South African blueberries to China are at an advanced stage,” Aucamp said.
China has submitted a draft protocol covering blueberry imports from South Africa. Aucamp has instructed the South African team to accelerate coordination and negotiations, with the aim of finalising the agreement before the end of 2026.
The new cherry protocol marks another step in expanding agricultural trade between South Africa and China, while creating potential opportunities for producers, exporters and workers in the country’s fruit sector.
