A 50% import tariff on apples entering India is putting pressure on the competitiveness of South African exports, particularly as competing suppliers secure reduced tariffs through trade agreements.
The warning comes from fruit exporter Tru-Cape, which says securing preferential access to the Indian market has become increasingly important, despite South African apples maintaining a leading position in India's imported apple segment.
Tariff barriers were limiting opportunities for growth in a market where demand for imported fruit continued to expand, the company said.
India remains an important destination for South African fruit exports. According to Tru-Cape, Indian importer NGK Trading imports about 300 containers of South African fruit annually, including around 220 containers of apples and pears. More than 650 000 MK6-equivalent cartons of South African apples and pears have been shipped to India so far this year.
The need for improved market access had become more urgent as competing exporting countries secured preferential tariff arrangements with India, while South African apples continued to face a 50% import duty, said Tru-Cape.
The call comes amid broader efforts to strengthen economic ties between South Africa and India through bilateral engagements and forums such as BRICS. Exporters argue that improved market access would support further growth in fruit shipments to the market.
