The Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) have welcomed the successful amendment of the plant health protocol governing the export of South African citrus to China.

This marks an important step forward for the industry that will deliver tangible benefits across the value chain – both in China and South Africa.

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

The outcome, firmly based on scientific outputs from Citrus Research International, is the result of collaborative engagement between South African and Chinese authorities.

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.

In doing so, the amendment is set to significantly boost South Africa’s citrus presence in the Chinese market.

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 about 11.5-million cartons of total exports in 2025, or 6% of total exports, there is significant opportunity to expand this share owing to strong consumer demand and ample 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.

"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,” emphasised Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

At the signing ceremony between the countries in Pretoria on April 10, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng pointed out that with China’s huge market of 1.4-billion people, the cooperation with South Africa’s citrus industry had 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 people,” he added.

CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele affirmed the association 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.

He also lauded South African and Chinese authorities for their collaboration in achieving this milestone.

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CGA also welcomed recent progress made in broader economic cooperation between South Africa and China through the Economic Partnership Agreement Framework that was signed in February, 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 will allow the industry to benefit from these tariff improvements as early as possible in the 2026 season.

“South Africa’s citrus industry remains a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural performance and export earnings. In 2025, Southern Africa exported about 204-million cartons of citrus, with South Africa accounting for 193-million of these cartons, reinforcing its position as the second-largest citrus exporter globally.

“Export earnings exceeded $2-billion for the first time last year, reaching an estimated $2.47-billion in foreign exchange revenue,” Ntshabele said.

The citrus industry supports 140 000 direct jobs at farm- and packhouse-level in South Africa, with substantially broader employment having been created across the value chain, including logistics, export services and international distribution.

As such, the citrus sector forms the economic heart of many rural communities across the country and continues to play a critical role in driving inclusive growth and sustained rural development.