Arabfields, Sana Dib, Financial Correspondent, Johannesburg, South Africa — South African apple and pear exporters are expecting stronger growth in China after Beijing introduced a zero tariff policy on imports from African countries, a move already reshaping trade flows in the fruit sector.
The policy, which came into effect in May 2026, removes import duties on a wide range of African agricultural goods entering the Chinese market. For South African fruit producers, the decision is creating new opportunities at a time when Chinese demand for premium imported fruit continues to expand.
At a supermarket promotion event in Shanghai, families sampled South African apples and pears while retailers highlighted new varieties arriving from Cape Town and Western Cape orchards. Traders say consumer interest has increased noticeably since the tariff reduction lowered import costs.
“This gives South African fruit a stronger position against competitors,” said Jason Wu, an international purchasing manager involved in fruit imports in Shanghai. “Prices can become more attractive for consumers, and importers are more confident about expanding volumes.”
According to trade figures released in 2026, China imported more than 100,000 metric tons of fresh apples in 2025, the highest level ever recorded for the market. South Africa supplied around one million boxes, maintaining its role as China’s second largest apple supplier. Pear exports have also remained stable since gaining official access to the Chinese market in 2022.
Industry operators estimate that the removal of the previous 10 percent tariff could lower import costs for apples and pears by roughly the same margin, helping distributors widen their customer base in large urban centers such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
In the orchards near Ceres, fruit grower Michael van Niekerk said exporters are increasingly adapting production to Chinese consumer preferences, especially for sweeter apple varieties and premium packaging.
“China has become one of the most important markets for our future,” he explained while supervising workers sorting freshly harvested apples. “Buyers want quality, appearance and consistency, and farmers are investing to meet those expectations.”
Trade analysts believe the new tariff policy could accelerate agricultural cooperation between China and African exporters over the next several years. China’s total trade with Africa reached a record $348 billion in 2025, and economists expect agricultural imports from the continent to continue rising through 2030.
Some experts, however, warn that logistics and competition remain major challenges. Shipping costs, cold chain infrastructure and currency fluctuations could still affect profitability despite the tariff advantages. Others note that African exporters will need to maintain strict quality standards to compete with suppliers from Chile, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
Still, many businesses inside the fruit sector see the policy as a turning point. South African exporters are already planning larger shipments for future seasons, while Chinese retailers are increasing promotional campaigns centered on imported African produce.
If current trends continue, market observers believe South African apple and pear exports to China could rise by more than 20 percent before the end of the decade, supported by lower trade barriers and growing demand among middle class consumers seeking imported fresh fruit.
