South Africa gets official green light to export avocados to China

Updated August 20, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa has officially received the green light to export avocados to China, marking a significant milestone for the country’s avocado industry.

This approval follows an inspection visit by Chinese plant protection authorities. The go-ahead allows South African avocado exporters to tap into the lucrative Chinese market.

Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop), confirmed the news, saying, “China has given the official go-ahead as of yesterday. We can finally do shipments. South Africa now has the opportunity to send avocados to China.”

This new market access comes at the tail end of South Africa’s current export season, leaving uncertainty about whether any shipments will make it to China this year.

However, Donkin remains optimistic about the future, noting, “We should see the growth of South African avocados going into China in the coming years.”

The recent approval from China adds to South Africa’s expanding list of export destinations, which now includes India and Japan. The first airfreight shipment to India was made in July, primarily as a trial to test the logistics and necessary paperwork.

Meanwhile, the first container destined for Japan is currently enroute, expected to arrive in the coming week (August 2024).

Despite these gains, South Africa faces high import duties in these new markets, which could pose challenges as the country seeks to establish a foothold.

“It is one of the barriers to work on if we want to grow in those markets. We will be in discussion about it with the South African Government,” Donkin said.

South Africa’s avocado export season has been generally positive, with more than 80% of the estimated 20 million cartons already shipped.

“We are more than 80% done with the estimate of 20 million cartons in terms of shipments. The actual shipped cartons are close to 18 million cartons,” Donkin reported.

With 90% of the fruit volume originating from South Africa, the country is on track to reach its target by the end of the season.

This recent development is the culmination of years of hard work and negotiation. The avocado export agreement with China was signed in August 2023.

During the signing, Thoko Didiza, the then Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating, “Gaining access to China is a necessary step to achieve export-driven growth for the South African avocado industry.”

South African exporters expressed their eagerness to explore the potential of the Chinese market. One of the major producers, ZZ2, expressed gratitude to Subtrop and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for their efforts.