Agriculture Minister Willem Aukamp signed a landmark protocol that opens the Chinese market for South African cherry exports for the first time. Cherry producers from South Africa now have access to the lucrative Chinese market, which opens up opportunities for billions of rand in exports and could potentially create around 600 new jobs in the local agricultural sector.
The signing of the market access protocol took place on Tuesday at the 9th Ministerial Meeting on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures in Beijing. The protocol was signed by Agriculture Minister Willem Aukamp and China's General Administration of Customs Minister Sun Meijun.
This agreement grants South African cherry producers access to the world's largest cherry import market. In 2025, China imported approximately 586,900 tons of cherries worth $3.3 billion USD, equivalent to about 52.8 billion rand.
Aukamp noted that this achievement is a record, as it is the first instance of signing two market access protocols with China within one year. He also expressed gratitude to China for accelerating requests for market access for South African agricultural products.
Duty-Free Access Stimulates Export Prospects
The Department of Agriculture reported that the completion of the cherry protocol is part of broader efforts by South Africa and China to expand agricultural trade between the two countries. According to the department, this agreement also supports commitments under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Joint Development, which provides South Africa with zero tariff access to Chinese markets.
Aukamp highly praised the bilateral relations and China's role in expanding bilateral agricultural trade. The government expects the new cherry export market to foster further investment in domestic production and the creation of approximately 600 jobs, supporting overall efforts toward inclusive economic growth and employment.
Furthermore, Aukamp met with representatives of Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Forum, organized by FruitSA, as the country prepares to utilize the newly opened market.
Blueberries Could Be the Next Step
The cherry agreement may not be the last breakthrough for South African fruit exporters this year, as negotiations for access to the Chinese market for local berries are at an advanced stage. Aukamp stated that 'there is still much to be done between South Africa and China after the negotiations for market access for South African berries to China have reached an advanced stage.'
China has already sent a draft berry import protocol to South Africa for review. Aukamp urged the South African team to expedite the preparation of materials and negotiations to finalize the protocol by the end of 2026.
RSA and China Discuss Foot-and-Mouth Disease
This market access breakthrough occurred against the backdrop of South Africa and China also committing to strengthening cooperation in agricultural biosecurity. On Monday, September 7, Aukamp met with China's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu. Discussions included Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and further opportunities for opening Chinese markets to South African agricultural products.
According to the department, both ministers affirmed their countries' commitment to cooperation in 'mutually beneficial areas,' including biosecurity and securing additional access to agricultural markets.