Mzansi Avocados Make Their Debut in China
In a milestone for South African agriculture, the first shipment of avocados from the country has arrived in Shanghai, China.
This recent development marks a significant step in strengthening trade relations between the two nations and opens new opportunities for South African farmers.
Shanghai Customs reported that 22 tonnes of avocados successfully cleared entry quarantine on Tuesday. The imports benefited from streamlined customs procedures specifically designed for agricultural products from Africa, highlighting China’s commitment to fostering trade with the continent.
This breakthrough comes after South Africa joined Kenya and Tanzania in August as the third African country to gain market access to China for fresh avocados.
The timing is particularly advantageous, as some of these avocados will be showcased at the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 5-10.
The growing trade relationship between China and Africa is evident in the numbers.
In the first eight months of 2024, China’s imports of African agricultural products reached 28.47 billion yuan (approximately R75.6 billion), representing a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. Shanghai alone accounted for 6.12 billion yuan (about R16.3 billion) of these imports, showing an impressive 15.5% year-on-year growth.
For South Africans, this news presents exciting possibilities for the country’s agricultural sector.
The successful entry of avocados into the Chinese market could pave the way for other South African produce, potentially boosting the economy and creating new job opportunities in farming and related industries.
