South Africa and China Finalize New Phytosanitary Deal to Expand Agricultural Citrus Export Market

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen signs a new citrus deal with China to revise cold treatment protocols and expand South Africa’s $2.47bn export sector.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 3:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Independent Online

Strategic Revision of Export Protocols

South Africa has successfully negotiated a new phytosanitary agreement with the People’s Republic of China, focusing on the amendment of cold treatment requirements for citrus. Signed in Pretoria by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Ambassador Wu Peng, the agreement aims to improve export efficiency and ensure higher quality fruit reaches Chinese consumers. These revised protocols are a strategic response to the need for lower production costs and increased competitiveness in one of South Africa’s most vital international markets.

Growth Trends in the Chinese Market

The importance of the Chinese market to the local citrus sector has grown steadily, with 2025 exports to China and Hong Kong reaching approximately 11.5 million cartons. This volume represents roughly 6 percent of South Africa’s total citrus exports, and officials believe the new agreement provides a clear pathway for further expansion. The deal follows other recent successes in securing market access for various South African stone fruits, including peaches, nectarines, and plums, signaling a robust and widening agricultural trade relationship.

Economic Impact and Rural Development

The citrus industry remains a fundamental pillar of the South African agricultural economy, with export earnings exceeding $2.47 billion for the first time in 2025. According to Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association, the sector supports approximately 140,000 direct jobs at the farm and packhouse levels. Beyond direct employment, the industry serves as the economic heart of numerous rural communities, driving inclusive growth and sustaining development through its extensive logistics and distribution value chains.