China Ships 24 Tonnes of Apples From South Africa, Netizens Excited

CHINA– South Africans praised China's 0% tariff treatment of Africa after it received 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa.

According to Chinese news outlet China Xinhua News, the policy, which applies to all but one African country, Eswatini, came into effect on 1 May. The BBC reported that the policy will be in place until 30 April 2028 after China implemented a duty-free policy for 33 least-developed African nations.

China Xinhua News posted a video of the 24 tonnes of apples that were imported at midnight on 1 April on its @xhnews X account. The policy comes after China signed a landmark trading duty-free deal with South Africa on 6 February 2026. The Produce Report pointed out that South Africa exported over 100,000 metric tons of apples in 2025, strengthening South Africa's position as the second-largest supplier to China.

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What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on the post were ecstatic.

Captain South Africa said:

“Thank you, China, for this great landmark initiative. This will create more demand and more jobs to help secure the future of South Africans.”

African Black Asa said:

“When they threaten us with sanctions, they must never forget we have options. We can divert anytime.”

Bakang Babuseng observed:

China is already preparing itself to cushion itself against U.S tariffs by establishing itself on African Markets.”

Dise Writes said:

“From South Africa to China. We're not just exporting apples. We're exporting potential.”

Listener_Reader said:

“My country is always well-prepared for favourable trade initiatives, even though we were among the last to finalise the agreement with China. We love China over here.”

Source: Briefly News