First steps in setting up long-term trade agreements to consolidate the latest access agreement
A South African delegation is expected in China in September as leaders of the agricultural industries meet to discuss further developing trade relations. The visit is expected to take place during the week after Asia Fruit Logistica and will be the first to Asia by the new South African agriculture minister, Wilie Aucamp, after assuming the role in June.
At Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, the South Africans will meet with customers from across Asia in preparation for the coming season. While citrus and apple and pear growers, along with table grapes, have had access to China for some time, it is hoped that over time more comprehensive trade agreements will be put in place to consolidate the position of South African exporters.
Recently, South Africa has gained access to China for its stonefruit and other South-East Asian countries have opened up for South African grapes. The stonefruit sector will have its first full season in China in the next season. It is expected that the new zero-tariff policy recently extended to 53 African countries will also be part of the discussions.
South African industry leaders say that the new Chinese tariff policy has created an opportunity to develop a comprehensive trade agreement with China within the next two years.
It is expected that access for South African blueberries and cherries will also be discussed at next month’s meetings in Beijing. Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA, says the industry has been working towards access to China for some time and it was hoped that things will move forward quickly at next month’s meetings.
South Africa has excellent airfreight links to Asia, and it is expected that most of the next season’s blueberries and cherries exported to the region will utilise this mode of export. Stonefruit exporters say that while seafreight will be the most economical mode of export to Asia, and China in particular, they will also use airfreight to supply specific marketing windows.
Last year South Africa exported 26,000 tonnes of blueberries, mostly to Europe and the UK, but as production grows, markets in Asia will become vital for further expansion.
