Updated plant health protocols open doors for SA citrus in China

The department of agriculture (DoA) and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) welcomed the successful amendment of the plant health protocol governing the export of South African citrus to China, marking an important step forward for the industry.

This development is expected to deliver tangible benefits across the value chain both in China and in South Africa.

The amended protocol introduces additional phytosanitary pest risk mitigation treatment options, reflecting a science-based and risk-managed approach to plant health compliance.

Timely agreement as SA citrus season starts

According to a joint statement by DoA and CGA, the inclusion of improved treatment options is anticipated to increase the quality of fruit reaching Chinese consumers, while also reducing costs and improving export efficiencies for South African producers and exporters.

“China is a well-established destination for South African citrus, particularly Navel oranges, lemons and grapefruit, which are categories valued by Chinese consumers. While exports to China and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 11.5 million cartons (6%) of total exports in 2025, there is significant opportunity to expand this share, supported by strong consumer demand and complementary seasonal supply.

“South Africa’s citrus industry provides counter-seasonal supply to the Chinese market. This complements China’s domestic production by keeping consumers within the category year-round,” the statement said.

The minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, said South Africa places a high value on its relationship with China, which continues to create meaningful opportunities across our agricultural sector. “These agreements are the result of trust, respect and sustained cooperation, and they are helping open doors for our producers at a time when diversification has never been more important.”

At the signing ceremony in Pretoria, Chinese ambassador Wu Peng said, “South African citrus has excellent quality and complements China’s domestic citrus production due to your counter-seasonal supply. That is a very positive contribution to Chinese consumers’ fruit baskets. With China’s huge market of 1.4 billion people, our cooperation has enormous potential and bright prospects.

“This agreement for further access to the Chinese market cannot be more timely, because South Africa’s citrus season this year is just beginning and going very strong. It reflects the high level of China-South Africa bilateral relations and the deep friendship between our peoples.”

CGA chief executive Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele said the organisation remains committed to working closely with government and international partners to strengthen market access, uphold high phytosanitary standards, and support the sustainable growth of the citrus industry.

Advancing trade and collaboration

He also expressed the CGA’s sincere appreciation to both South African and Chinese authorities for their collaboration in achieving this milestone and affirmed its commitment to continued partnership in advancing mutually beneficial trade.

The CGA has also welcomed recent progress in broader economic cooperation between South Africa and China through the Economic Partnership Agreement Framework signed in February 2026, as well as announcements related to planned unilateral tariff reductions.

Once finalised, these developments are expected to enhance the competitiveness of South African citrus in the Chinese market. The CGA continues to advocate for citrus to be included in the so-called “Early Harvest agreement”, which would allow the industry to benefit from these tariff improvements as early as possible in the 2026 season.