On May 15, Shanghai Shengguo Trading Co. Ltd. held a vibrant and playful South African apple and pear carnival event at APIO Supermarket in Shanghai’s Pudong New District. A variety of fun parent-and-child interactive activities attracted a large number of consumers, who also got to taste fresh South African apples and pears [3].

Phuti J. Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai, delivered a speech at the event. She noted, “South Africa is China’s largest trading partner on the African continent, while China has remained South Africa’s largest global trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2025, South Africa maintained its position as China’s second-largest apple import supplier. Since gaining access to the Chinese market in August 2022, South African pear import volumes also remained relatively stable in 2025.”

Following that, Jacques du Preez, general manager for trade and markets at Hortgro Pome [4], delivered a remote video address, in which he explained, “Nearly 11,000 tons of apples and pears have been shipped to China this year, including over 250 tons of Forelle pears. Over the past five years, South African apple exports have remained steady, and we hope to continue deepening our presence in the Chinese market in terms of both export volume and varietal diversity.”

In 2025, China’s fresh apple import volume exceeded 100,000 metric tons for the first time, with South Africa exporting 1 million boxes [5] to secure its position as China’s second-largest apple supplier. As a long-term importer of South African apples and pears, Shanghai Shengguo has been deeply engaged in this category for many years. Jason, the company’s international purchasing manager, explained that South Africa has now entered its peak export season for apples and pears. Shengguo’s import volume this year has increased significantly compared with last year, and market sales are progressing smoothly. South Africa offers a wide variety of apples and pears. After years of market cultivation, consumer recognition of varieties such as Flash Gala, Royal Beaut and Royal Gala Red has notably increased this year.

This year, South African apples and pears have also received a major policy boost [6]. According to an announcement from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China, from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028, a zero-tariff policy in the form of preferential rates will be implemented for 20 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China but are not classified as least developed countries. On May 1, the first batch of 24 metric tons of South African apples arrived on the Chinese market with zero tariffs.

Jason noted that South African pears also benefit from the zero-tariff treatment. In theory, both apples and pears could see an import cost reduction of approximately 10%. As the policy has just taken effect, new and old inventory currently coexist in the market, with the cost of older stock for which tariffs have already been paid being relatively higher. After years of operation, staff at Shengguo are highly optimistic about the market prospects for South African apples and pears in China and have already formulated plans to expand imports. In the long run, zero tariffs will encourage importers to increase their imports, and market prices are expected to gradually decrease, which is a significant positive development for both distribution channels and consumers.

Every year, Shengguo collaborates with Hortgro Pome to conduct market promotion activities at the retail end. Through unified planning, these retail promotions have achieved consistent display, attire, messaging and tasting time slots, leaving a strong impression on consumers. Jason also suggested that market channels could develop diversified packaging formats tailored to local conditions, such as small buckets and gift boxes, to expand consumption scenarios and reach more potential customers.

Images: Shanghai Shengguo Trading Co. Ltd.