Minister of Agriculture, Wille Aucamp said he signed a protocol granting South African cherry producers market access into China for the first time.
The department of agriculture said that the signing of the protocol took place during the 9th Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on September 8, 2026, where Minister Aucamp signed the protocol alongside Minister Sun Meijun of the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC).
Minister Aucamp said that this achievement is record-breaking as it is the first time that two market access protocols have been signed with China within a year. “We truly appreciate China’s efforts to speed up our market access requests for South African agriculture products.”
Aucamp noted the excellent bilateral partnership and praised China’s role in advancing two-way trade in agriculture products.
The Minister said the signing of the Cherry protocol is a confirmation of the commitment made to increase and broaden trade under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development giving South Africa 0% tariff market access to Chinese markets.
Aucamp added that the signing will have huge economic benefits for South Africa, with China being the number one global importer of cherries. “China’s total import of cherries is about 586 900 tons during 2025 valued at $3,3 billion (R52,8bn).”
The Department said that Minister Aucamp also engaged the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Zhang Zhu. “In the meeting, both Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to continue to collaborate on mutually beneficial areas such as biosecurity – especially Foot and Mouth disease and securing more market access opportunities for South African agricultural products.”
The department said there was also an opportunity for them to meet and engage with representatives of the Chinese fruit importers at the South Africa-China Fruit Trade Business Forum, organised by FruitSA.
“The opening of the Chinese market for cherries is expected to stimulate more investment in production adding about 600 new job opportunities, in line with the government’s priority of inclusive economic growth and job creation.”
Minister Aucamp said that 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.
The department said China has submitted a draft protocol for the import of blueberries for South Africa’s consideration, and Minister Aucamp wished to fast-track the coordination of inputs and negotiations, with the view to finalize the protocol before the end of the year.
Dr Simphiwe Madikizela, a senior lecturer in economics at the University of South Africa’s School of Graduate Business and Leadership, said that this is a positive development for South Africa's economy and more especially the agriculture sector.
"This agreement is very significant for SA as its opening new and additional markets for the agriculture sector to explore more especially with China as there are zero tariffs for our products which assists the farmers to boost their revenue and profit which will help to create further jobs and employment opportunities for young people.”
Madikizela said: “This is commendable work by the team that is providing the leadership and exploring these opportunities for more exports.”
yogashen.pillay@nationalmg.co.za