Conrad Fick
The removal of Chinese import tariffs on South African fruit is already delivering results for Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, with the company’s apple exports to China increasing by almost 50% year to date. The development has created new opportunities to grow South African apples’ presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets, while highlighting the need for more competitive market access in India.
Until 1 May 2026, South African fruit entering China was subject to a 10% import tariff. The reduction to 0% has levelled the playing field for Southern Hemisphere suppliers, giving South African exporters a more competitive position in the market.
“The playing field is now definitely level, with all Southern Hemisphere countries enjoying a zero tariff,” says Conrad Fick, marketing director at Tru-Cape.
Tru-Cape currently accounts for more than 20% of South African apple exports to the market.
“The tariff reduction presents a good opportunity to expand our market share in Chinese retail,” Fick says. “South African Royal Gala Red and Royal Beaut apples are performing particularly well, and we are also seeing growing acceptance of the Flash Gala brand, which is helping to increase both volumes and prices.”
Quality remains key in China
Flash Gala in China
While the tariff reduction has improved competitiveness, Fick emphasises that China remains a premium market where quality is non-negotiable.
“China’s large population offers opportunities to absorb significant volumes, but it is important to understand and meet consumer preferences. When the market is undersupplied, there are also good opportunities for smaller apples.”
South African apples are increasingly gaining traction in both the retail market and the snacking segment. Although New Zealand has an advantage in proximity to China and is well established in the market for larger apples bought as gifts, South Africa has other competitive strengths.
“Chinese consumers appreciate the flavour profile of South African apples. We can also produce apples more cost-effectively than New Zealand, while our shipping times are shorter than those of Chilean exporters,” Fick says.
The increase in South African volumes entering China following the tariff reduction has, however, put pressure on prices. This underlines the importance of balancing volume growth with demand, quality and the ability to secure sustainable returns for producers.
India’s tariff gap poses a challenge for 2027
Roelf Pienaar, Tru-Cape’s managing director, described the removal of Chinese import tariffs as an important step towards developing and expanding the market for South African fruit.
Similar market-access initiatives are needed elsewhere, particularly in India, where South African apples continue to face a 50% import duty.
“Our biggest challenge for 2027 will be the changes to import duties in India,” Pienaar says. “From January 2027, import duties on apples from New Zealand are set to decrease from 50% to 25%, while chances are good that duties for the European Union will fall from 50% to 20%. There is still no certainty about when South Africa’s duty, which remains at 50%, will be reduced.”
The widening tariff gap threatens to put South African exporters at a competitive disadvantage in a market with significant growth potential.
For Tru-Cape, the contrasting experiences in China and India demonstrate the commercial value of fairer trading conditions. While the removal of tariffs in China is helping South African apples compete on more equal terms, securing comparable progress in India will be important to protect existing opportunities and unlock further growth for the South African apple industry.
For more information, please get in touch with Lucille Botha at lucilleb@tru-cape.co.za or visit www.tru-cape.com. Follow Tru-Cape on X (@TruCapeFruit), Facebook (@Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing), TikTok (@trucape), and Instagram (@trucapefruit).
