# A 24-tonne shipment of South African apples cleared in Shenzhen under China’s new zero-tariff policy is headed for retail markets, boosting competitiveness. The policy, which began this month and ends in April 2028, extends duty-free access to 53 of 54 African countries, aiming to diversify exports beyond minerals. Eswatini has been excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. University of Johannesburg’ analyst David Monyae says the move opens opportunities for higher-value agricultural goods and positions African economies to expand into one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
SA first apples consignment headed for retail markets in China