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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) commends Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, for successfully restoring South Africa’s access to the Thai market for fresh apple exports. This market had been closed for approximately 16 years, from January 2008 to December 2024, due to changes in Thailand’s import requirements.
Apples are a significant component of South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector, contributing substantially to foreign exchange earnings and employment. The industry is notably export-oriented, with about half of the produced apples destined for international markets.
According to Hortgro – the deciduous fruit industry research engine – South African apple exports have increased by 40% over the past decade. This is largely driven by demand in the Far East and Asia, which currently account for approximately 35% of all South African apple exports.
KZN, with its diverse agricultural landscape, stands to gain significantly from this development. While the province is renowned for its sugar, citrus, macadamia nuts and avocados, the reopening of the Thai market presents an opportunity to diversify and expand our export portfolio.
Minister Steenhuisen’s achievement should now serve as a catalyst for broader initiatives. It is imperative that government continue to seek and secure access to additional international markets to ensure that all farmers, particularly KZN’s emerging and small-scale producers, benefit from global trade opportunities.
The DA calls on both the national and provincial governments to prioritise trade negotiations that will open doors to markets across Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.
Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to invest in agricultural infrastructure, logistics, and support services to enable KZN’s farming sector to meet international standards and thrive within the competitive global arena.
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that foster agricultural growth, job creation, and economic inclusion. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), we will continue to work towards creating an environment where farmers can access new markets, receive adequate support, and contribute meaningfully to our province’s economic prosperity.