South African cherry producers have secured historic access to the Chinese market following the signing of a landmark protocol between South Africa and China, opening new opportunities for agricultural exports, investment and job creation.
Agriculture Minister Wille Aucamp signed the market access protocol with China’s General Administration of Customs Minister Sun Meijun during the ninth Sanitary and Phytosanitary Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.
The agreement marks the first time South African cherries will be able to enter the Chinese market, which is one of the world’s largest markets for imported cherries. China imported approximately 586,900 tonnes of cherries valued at about US$3.3 billion, or R52.8 billion, in 2025.
The opening of the market is expected to provide South African farmers with access to a much larger consumer base while creating opportunities for expansion across the agricultural value chain.
Aucamp described the agreement as a significant achievement in strengthening agricultural trade between South Africa and China. He also highlighted the importance of China’s efforts to accelerate market access negotiations for South African agricultural products.
The protocol forms part of broader efforts by the two countries to deepen economic cooperation and increase two-way agricultural trade. It is also aligned with commitments under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which provides South Africa with zero-tariff market access to Chinese markets.
For South African cherry farmers, the agreement could provide an important boost at a time when producers are looking for new export destinations and opportunities to expand production.
Government also expects the newly opened market to stimulate investment in domestic cherry production and contribute to employment creation. Initial estimates indicate that the opportunity could support about 600 new jobs in the local agricultural sector.
The development comes as South Africa continues to strengthen its agricultural and trade relationship with China. Aucamp also met Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum, organised by FruitSA, as local producers prepare to take advantage of the new market.
The cherry agreement could also pave the way for additional South African agricultural products to enter China.
Negotiations to secure market access for South African blueberries are already at an advanced stage. China has submitted a draft blueberry import protocol to South Africa, with the South African government seeking to accelerate negotiations and finalise the agreement before the end of 2026.
The two countries are also discussing agricultural biosecurity issues, including foot-and-mouth disease, as part of efforts to ensure that increased trade is supported by strong sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
The signing of the cherry protocol therefore represents more than a new export opportunity. It signals growing cooperation between South Africa and China in agriculture and could strengthen the role of South African farmers in one of the world’s most significant consumer markets.
With demand for quality agricultural products continuing to grow, the agreement could provide South African producers with a platform to expand production, attract investment and create jobs while strengthening the country’s position in international agricultural trade.
