Tanzania secures Chinese market for avocados

TANZANIA – Tanzania’s avocado sector has celebrated a major win as China officially opens its market to Tanzanian avocados starting August 14, 2024, following South Africa’s recent similar achievement.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania announced this significant development, marking a major milestone for the country’s avocado industry.

Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), revealed that efforts to access the Chinese market began in 2018. “This achievement represents years of hard work and strategic diplomacy,” Dr. Mkindi said.

China’s growing middle class, increasingly focused on health and nutrition, has spurred demand for avocados, making it an attractive market for Tanzanian producers.

The country is now the 10th largest importer of avocados globally. Dr. Mkindi praised the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in securing this new market access.

“Their support was crucial in meeting China’s requirements and facilitating this opportunity for Tanzanian farmers,” she added.

The recent state visit of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Beijing was pivotal, resulting in the signing of a protocol on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements.

This agreement clears the way for Tanzanian avocados to enter China, aligning with Tanzania’s broader horticultural export strategy aimed at reaching a USD 2 billion annual value by 2030.

South Africa has similarly gained approval from China to export avocados, a move that follows an inspection by Chinese plant protection authorities.

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 start shipments.”

Although this approval comes towards the end of South Africa’s current export season, Donkin remains hopeful for future growth. “We should see increased exports to China in the coming years,” he noted.

The entry into the Chinese market presents significant economic opportunities for both Tanzanian and South African avocado producers.

For Tanzania, the market, valued at over USD 150 million, offers a substantial boost to its avocado industry, with projections indicating increased production and export potential.

This is expected to enhance the economic prospects for local farmers and encourage the adoption of improved agricultural practices.

South Africa’s new market access, though timed at the end of its current season, is set to create long-term growth opportunities, aligning with the increasing global demand for avocados.

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