South Africa-China Citrus Export Agreement

South Africa and China have successfully amended cold treatment requirements for South African citrus exports to China. This agreement, welcomed by South Africa's Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and signed by Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, is set to reduce costs, improve export efficiency, and expand market access for South African citrus growers. The new protocol relaxes temperature and duration requirements for cold sterilization, particularly for lemons, from -0.6°C for 24 days to 3°C for 18 days. This development builds on previous trade gains, including market access for South African stone fruit, and is expected to cement South Africa's position as the largest citrus exporter to China. The citrus industry is a cornerstone of South Africa's agricultural economy, supporting approximately 140,000 direct jobs and generating over US$2.47 billion in export earnings in 2025. The agreement is seen as a result of sustained cooperation and trust between the two nations, with South Africa reaffirming its support for China's One China Policy, which provides a stable foundation for economic collaboration.