‘Very Excited!’ -- Agri Western Cape reacts to China mega deal

A stone fruit trade pact with China should alleviate pressure on local farmers, according to Agri Western Cape. 

“We are all very excited and positive about the deal,” Agri Western Cape chief executive Jannie Strydom told Cape Chamber on Monday in response to questions.

“Diversification of markets can be to the advantage of the industry and should alleviate the pressure from existing markets.” 

He said details of the deal still needed to be finalised.  

In terms of the deal announced late last week, five types of South African stone fruit – apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and prunes – have been granted access to the Chinese market.    

The market access could unlock value of around R400 million over the next five years, and possibly double that amount over the next ten years, according to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. 

“We are of the view that the inaugural 2025/26 export season can generate approximately R28 million and R54 million in 2026/27,” the Minister said in a Ministry statement. He described the trade agreement as  “a major breakthrough for South African fruit producers and exporters at a time when diversification is essential for our agricultural resilience”. 
 
“This protocol is part of a broader strategy to make South African agriculture less dependent on traditional buyers and more responsive to new consumption patterns such as China’s growing middle class which is driving demand for high-quality agricultural products”, he said, adding that the new market would offset some of the immediate impact of US tariffs on plums.  

The trade protocol is projected to support between 350 and 600 new direct jobs over the next decade, on farms and associated industries such as transport and packaging, the Ministry said.