South Africa exports apples to Thailand for the 1st time in 16 years: 'We're very excited!' – Minister John Steenhuisen
Thailand has been closed to South African apples since January 2008.
John Steenhuisen witnesses the first shipment of apples from SA to Thailand in over 16 years / X: @jsteenhuisen
Lester Kiewit interviews John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture.
Listen below:
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen was in Ceres on Monday to celebrate the historic first shipment of fresh South African apples to the Kingdom of Thailand in roughly 16 years, following the country's regaining of market access.
This market had been closed to South Africa from January 2008 to December 2024 due to changes in requirements set by the trading partner.
Steenhuisen emphasises that this milestone aligns with his Department's strategy to deepen and expand existing trade agreements while also exploring new markets for South African agricultural goods and services.
He says that this will help stimulate local job creation, enhance the agricultural value chain, and open up more opportunities for local farmers.
"We're very excited about this...The eastern market is a huge opportunity for South Africa and it is going to be one of our focal areas over the next few years as we look to expand the export of South African agricultural products."
- John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture
Good morning, South Africa. Today, we’re ready to send the first shipment of our proudly South African apples to the Kingdom of Thailand, after the market had been closed for about 16 years.🇿🇦🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/0T3FJtTT3F
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) February 10, 2025
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