The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a report highlighting the main trends in China's cherry market, mainly the expansion of the planted area and government support. China is expected to produce 850,000 tons of cherries in the 2024-25 season, i.e. 6% more than in the previous season.
This growth is attributed to the expansion of the cultivated area and the increase in yields in the main producing provinces such as Shandong, Hebei, and Henan. Government policies have played a critical role in regulating agricultural land use, enabling successful expansion into traditionally producing regions. Despite drought conditions in some areas of northern China, including Shandong Province, the harvest in most regions has already concluded. The drought has mainly affected late cherries, decreasing their size.
Local governments offer farmers subsidies to establish protected orchards to prevent rain and frost damage. In Yantai, authorities granted producers a subsidy of US$10,417 per hectare to construct protective structures. The quality of locally-produced cherries is still not comparable to the quality of the imported fruit. However, some cherries produced under plastic toppings can compete in flavor, color, size, and freshness. A common practice among farmers to increase fruit size is using plant growth hormones.
Prices have decreased this season because demand is weak and supply is greater. However, high-quality cherries (especially those produced between March and May) continue to reach high prices of up to $40/kg.