South Africa has dispatched its inaugural shipment of avocados to China, with Zimbabwe poised to become the next African nation to supply to the increasing demand for the fruit in China. The first consignment, weighing 21,210kg, departed from Durban on September 14, targeting Shanghai as its destination. According to the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, this development follows the phytosanitary protocol established in August, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between the two nations.
The agreement, formulated during the 2023 Brics summit in Johannesburg, outlines the plant health standards South African avocado exporters must adhere to for market access in China. Following an inspection by Chinese authorities in July, South Africa has met the stringent criteria, enabling the initiation of avocado exports. This milestone positions South Africa as the third African country, after Kenya and Tanzania, to penetrate the Chinese avocado market.
Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers' Association (Subtrop), highlighted China's potential as a significant market for South African avocados, despite challenges in estimating future export volumes. A notable barrier to market expansion is the 25 per cent import tariff on South African avocados, contrasting with tariff exemptions for Peruvian counterparts. Data from the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution indicates Peru as the leading avocado supplier to China. A reduction in tariffs could leverage the trade opportunities stemming from the 2023 protocol, potentially addressing the trade imbalance between South Africa and China.
Lauren Johnston, a China-Africa specialist, noted China's interest in African avocados due to the fruit's water-intensive cultivation and minimal phytosanitary barriers. The rising demand in China is partly driven by a health-conscious middle class, with avocado imports significantly increasing over the past decade. The inclusion of South African avocados aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's initiative to enhance agricultural imports from Africa, supporting the continent's agricultural modernization.
South Africa's avocado industry encompasses approximately 19,500 hectares, with exports primarily directed towards Europe and Britain. The country's agricultural exports to China, predominantly minerals and fruits, underscore its status as China's principal trading partner in Africa. Furthermore, Zimbabwe's recent agreement to export avocados to China marks a continued focus on agriculture within China-Africa relations, despite the stringent health standards required for market entry.
Source: myNEWS