South African cherry producers are preparing to enter China's lucrative fruit market as deteriorating trade relations with the United States push the country to diversify its export destinations.
China has opened its market to South African cherries for the first time and introduced a zero-tariff scheme for qualifying South African exports, creating new opportunities for local growers.
Gert Eastes, chief executive of Ridge Cherry Farms, has spent 12 years preparing to access the Chinese market. His farm, located near Rustenburg, aims to increase production from 600 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes as demand grows.
Rather than competing with major suppliers on volume, South African growers plan to gain an advantage by supplying cherries early in the season, particularly in September and October, before shipments from Chile arrive.
China, the world's largest cherry consumer and importer, purchases nearly 600,000 tonnes annually, offering significant growth potential for South African producers.
The expansion comes as relations between Washington and Pretoria remain strained, raising concerns about South Africa's future access to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US trade programme that provides eligible African countries with preferential access to American markets.
South African officials say expanding trade with China is part of a broader strategy to strengthen agricultural exports and reduce dependence on individual markets.
However, exporters must still meet China's regulatory requirements before shipments can begin. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp expects the necessary approval by the end of 2026.
South Africa exports approximately $15 billion worth of agricultural products annually. Industry representatives believe stronger access to international markets could significantly increase export earnings in the coming years.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Kopano Gumbi
Editing: Bate Felix & Joe Bavier
