As the South African apple export season draws to a close, South African apple exports to China reached 13,068 tonnes this season, according to HortGro Pome data. Fresh apples from South Africa are available in the country out of season, capturing the gap in the market for domestic apples from February to August. Combined with the abundant sunshine and pristine natural conditions in South Africa, the apples produced are rich in flavour and crisp. In terms of variety, Fuji and Royal Gala/Gala have become the main varieties of South African apples exported to China.

In recent years, South African apple exports to China have been growing year on year and the market is performing very well. By the end of 2021, South Africa will have overtaken Chile and the USA as the second largest exporter of apples to China, according to the General Administration of Customs.