South African cherry producers have secured access to the lucrative Chinese market for the first time, opening the door to billions of rand in export opportunities and an estimated 600 new jobs in the local agricultural sector.

Agriculture Minister Wille Aucamp signed the market access protocol with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) Minister Sun Meijun during the 9th Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.

The agreement gives South African cherry producers access to the world’s biggest cherry-importing market, with China having imported about 586,900 tonnes of cherries worth US$3.3 billion, approximately R52.8 billion, in 2025.

“This achievement is record-breaking as it is the first time that two market access protocols have been signed with China within a year,” Aucamp said.

“We truly appreciate China’s efforts to speed up our market access requests for South African agriculture products.”

Zero-tariff access boosts export prospects

The Department of Agriculture said the finalisation of the cherry protocol was part of broader efforts by South Africa and China to expand agricultural trade between the two countries.

According to the department, the agreement also supports commitments under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which gives South Africa 0% tariff market access to Chinese markets.

Aucamp praised the bilateral relationship and China’s role in expanding two-way agricultural trade.

The government expects the new cherry export market to encourage further investment in domestic production and create about 600 jobs, supporting its broader push for inclusive economic growth and employment.

Aucamp also met representatives of Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum organised by FruitSA as the country moves to capitalise on the newly opened market.

Blueberries could be next

The cherry agreement may not be the last breakthrough for South African fruit exporters this year, with negotiations to secure Chinese market access for locally produced blueberries now at an advanced stage.

“There is more to come between South Africa and China now that the negotiations to grant market access for South African blueberries to China are at an advanced stage,” Aucamp said.

China has already submitted a draft blueberry import protocol to South Africa for consideration.

Aucamp has requested that the South African team fast-track its inputs and negotiations in an effort to finalise the protocol before the end of 2026.

SA, China discuss foot-and-mouth disease

The market access breakthrough came as South Africa and China also committed to strengthening cooperation on agricultural biosecurity.

Aucamp met China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Zhu, on Monday, September 7, where discussions included foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and further opportunities to open Chinese markets to South African agricultural products.

According to the department, the two ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to collaborate in “mutually beneficial areas” including biosecurity and securing additional agricultural market access.