Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen signed a landmark trade protocol with his Chinese counterpart on 15 October. Minister Sun Meijun, in Shanghai, opened the Chinese market to five types of South African stone fruit for the first time.
According to the George Herald, the agreement allows exports of apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and prunes. This marks the first time China has granted access for multiple stone fruit types from a single country under one deal.
Steenhuisen described the signing as ‘historic’, saying it represents years of collaboration between South African industry bodies and Chinese authorities. ‘This protocol is a testament to the dedication of our farmers and exporters, whose quality produce continues to meet the world’s highest standards,’ he said.
Good morning, South Africa.
I signed a historic stone fruit trade protocol in Shanghai, China, with my counterpart, Minister Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Five types of SA stone fruit: apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes. 🇿🇦🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/9aXEXqnPFx
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) October 15, 2025
Industry group Hortgro welcomed the announcement, noting that access to the Chinese market will open new opportunities for producers and support thousands of jobs across the value chain.
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The Western Cape’s stone fruit sector, which already supplies the European and Middle Eastern markets, is expected to benefit significantly as exports diversify eastward.
Economic analysts say the deal could boost rural employment and strengthen South Africa’s agricultural trade footprint in Asia. Exporters are now working to finalise certifications and logistics ahead of the upcoming harvest season.
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