Chinese cargo airlines are preparing for increased imports from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, emphasizing mutual benefits and win-win outcomes as foundational principles for the development of relations between China and the region. This approach highlights the highly complementary economic relationship between the two areas.
On a recent Wednesday at 10:50 am, a China Eastern Air Logistics freighter landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, carrying 76 tons of fresh Chilean cherries from Santiago, Chile, following a 25-hour, 19,300-kilometer flight.
The arrival of this freighter followed a meeting between leaders of China and Chile at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, where the two nations committed to expanding their bilateral cooperation through high-level free trade and more open industrial policies.
China Eastern Air Logistics has been transporting cherries and other goods from the South American market with all-cargo freighter planes for a decade, importing over 50,000 tons of Chilean cherries, salmon, and other agricultural products valued at more than $1 billion through thousands of all-cargo flights, ordinary commercial flights, and ships.
The company has diversified its imports from Chile beyond cherries to include over 10 items such as salmon, blueberries, and plums, with salmon being imported year-round. China Eastern Air Logistics has emerged as a key supply chain solutions provider for Chilean air-freighted cherries and the largest importer of salmon in China.
For the 2024-25 South American cherry production season, the company plans to import approximately 12,000 tons of Chilean cherries, split between air and sea shipments.
Additionally, Cainiao, Alibaba's logistics arm, operates eight cargo charter flights weekly between China and Brazil, handling over 800 tons of cargo. This service not only supports cross-border e-commerce but also meets the export needs of Chinese companies to Brazil's B2B sector. A strategic partnership with Brazil Post aims to enhance international express and logistics technology collaboration.
Trade between China and LAC economies is expected to continue growing, with goods trade reaching $427.4 billion in the first three quarters of this year, a 7.7 percent increase year-on-year. The total trade volume for the year is anticipated to surpass $500 billion, reflecting the rapidly growing trade relationship and the highly complementary nature of the economies involved.
Source: Global Times