Imports of African agricultural products via Shanghai exceeded 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of over 25 percent, according to data released by Shanghai Customs on Feb 13.

The growth comes as China-Africa trade strengthens under the Belt and Road Initiative, with quarantine access now granted to 24 types of fruit from nine African countries.

In November 2025, China's customs authority released quarantine requirements for fresh stone fruits from South Africa, opening the market to high-quality peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and prunes.

A recent shipment of 1,620 kilograms of South African prunes, which arrived via flight EK304 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, marked the first general trade import of African prunes through the Shanghai Port.

To meet consumer demand and expedite customs clearance for perishable goods, Shanghai Customs has integrated digital technology into its supervision process, creating a green channel and enabling paperless reviews.

Agricultural trade between China and Africa is showing increasing growth potential, encompassing products ranging from dried chili peppers from Uganda to coffee beans from Ethiopia and Kenya.

Source: ThePaper