Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Question by:
Hon Noko Masipa
Answered by:
Hon Ivan Meyer
Question Number:
7
Question Body:
With regard to the recent signing of the supplementary citrus phytosanitary protocol with China and its implications for the 2026 Western Cape export season:
(a) What is his Department’s assessment of the impact that the relaxed requirements will have on the volume of citrus exports from the province to China during the current 2026 season, (b) how does his Department intend to support Western Cape producers in capitalising on the 0% tariff access and (c) what specific strategic advantages does the Chinese market currently offer to local farmers as they seek to diversify away from traditional markets?
Answer Body:
- The formalisation of supplementary phytosanitary agreement on exports of South African citrus fruit took place on 10 April 2026. This agreement is a strategic bilateral cooperation between China and South Africa. It supports the Western Cape market access strategy through the removal of trade barriers, and China also stand to benefit from the counter-seasonal supply of citrus fruits. Approximately, 20% of South Africa’s citrus area under production is in the Western Cape. The amendment of the cold treatment requirements regulating citrus exports to China is welcomed. Following various disruptions in the market due to geopolitical tensions, the opening of the Chinese market for increased trade in citrus is critical in lessening the volatility and uncertainties in agricultural trade markets.
- The Department is involved in Market Access promotions through trade shows in China on an annual basis in collaboration with private sector. Increasing awareness through participation at exports exhibitions and driving Business to Business interactions, are some of the interventions implemented to capitalise on the zero-tariff access. Furthermore, the department is also providing extension and advisory services to producers to ensure they remain competitive and compliant to various trade standards.
- The Chinese market offers local producers an opportunity to export to when there is a demand due to counter-seasonally between the North (e.g. China) and South hemisphere (e.g. South Africa) regions. Furthermore, there is strong demand for agricultural products because of high population size of 1.4 billion in 2026, $43.8 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, and an economic growth of 5.4% last recorded in 2024.
Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
