Great uncertainty still reigns as Chilean exporters and Chinese importers await the fate of the over 1,300 containers that arrived on the Maersk Saltoro. It has been over a week since the long-delayed ship arrived in the Chinese port of Nanshang. Last week's 'official' communication that was circulating indicated that out of 20 containers inspected the fruit is in bad condition and needs to be destroyed. Given the long delay of nearly two months many in the industry expect the entire shipment to be discarded.
However, the landfill facilities and port authorities do not have the capacity to handle such a large shipment. Samples were also sent for testing to laboratories to determine the condition and other food safety-related risks the shipment could possibly pose.
An importer from Hong Kong said they are still in the dark about the process of unloading, inspections claims, etc. "At present, the customs have not released any information. The information I received is that the customs found that the fruits inside were highly rotten and moldy when they were unloaded on February 18, and they will be destroyed later. It is impossible for these fruits to enter the Chinese market. Because the relationship involved in this shipment is too complicated, so the latest development has not been announced."
Industry estimations are that over $100 million worth of cherries are on the ship. Several Chinese authorities are involved with further official communication eagerly awaited. One critical step is the process of instituting claims with many in the Chilean industry who have a number of containers on board this "Cherry Express" vessel.
Frutas de Chile has been monitoring the situation, and they have had meetings with the consul and the commercial attaché of ProChile in China to discuss future scenarios. Further feedback and information is awaited.
For more information:
Frutas de Chile
www.frutasdechile.cl