South Africa has signed a landmark trade agreement with China to ease phytosanitary protocols for citrus exports. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen stated that the revised standards will allow fresher produce to reach Chinese markets. The deal is expected to streamline exports and reduce costs.
At a signing ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa and China agreed on updated phytosanitary protocols for citrus exports. The new rules significantly ease the previous cold treatment requirements, which involved near-freezing temperatures for extended periods. These changes had previously damaged fruit quality and raised costs, but the revisions minimise pest risks while preserving freshness.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen described the agreement as a game changer. "I’m very excited. It’s going to streamline and reduce a lot of the export frictions that go with exporting to a country like China," he said. He noted that from 1 May, South Africa will have zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, benefiting its counter-seasonal production.
China’s Ambassador Wu Peng highlighted mutual gains. "The document will strengthen phytosanitary safety, significantly cut short the duration of cold treatment, and lower temperature requirements," he said, adding that it would reduce energy consumption and shipment costs, making South African citrus more competitive.
South Africa is the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain. The industry is the country’s top agricultural export, supporting over 140,000 jobs and generating R34 billion in foreign revenue per season. Citrus Growers’ Association Vice President Hannes de Waal welcomed the relaxation, saying it simplifies logistics and could increase export partners to China.