South Africa has signed a major trade agreement with China granting local producers access to export five varieties of stone fruit — apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes — to the Chinese market for the first time. The deal is seen as a strategic response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs on South African exports.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen signed the agreement with China’s Minister of Customs Sun Meijun in Shanghai, calling it a “breakthrough” for the country’s fruit industry. The Department of Agriculture estimates that the deal could generate R400 million in export value within five years, with potential to double by 2035.
The partnership is also expected to create over 900 new jobs, including positions in farming, packaging, and transport. The first shipments to China are scheduled for the 2025/26 export season.
Talks between the two nations also explored expanding agricultural cooperation to include South African beef, cherries, and blueberries, further strengthening a trade relationship rooted in mutual economic growth and market diversification.
