The total value of China's imports in 2024 reached $2.6 trillion, marking a 2.3% increase year-on-year. In December, imports of consumer goods in China surpassed $22.7 billion, the highest in nearly 21 months. Among these imports, Chilean cherries have gained popularity across Chinese dinner tables. Vendors in a southern Chinese market are welcoming a fresh shipment of cherries from Chile.
Xu Hua from CGTN reports from Shenzhen Dachan Bay Port, "We got here at 5 a.m. this morning, just as the container ship from Chile arrived – and with it came all the cherries one can imagine. And now, workers are working to move the fruits off the vessel and onto distribution trucks." This shipment marks the first batch of cherries for the year, arriving directly from Chile after a 23-day sea voyage.
Chen Xiangting, Business Manager at Shenzhen Changhong Logistics, stated, "We transported approximately 220 containers, 4,200 tons of cherries. All of them are from Chile, including the popular mainstream variety, such as the Santina, lapins, Regina, Kordia, and others." China has been the largest market for Chilean cherries for seven years, importing over 90% of Chile's cherry production. Speed and efficiency are essential to maintaining the cherries' freshness.
Zhang Chong, Chief of the Inspection Section at Dachan Bay Customs House, noted, "For cherries that need to be checked, we help businesses use methods like 'scheduled inspection + conditional release.' This allows for quick inspection right after arrival and fast release, cutting customs clearance time by more than 30%."
Xu Hua follows the inland transportation process, noting that a two-hour journey from Shenzhen to Guangzhou can be extended during the cherry season due to increased truck traffic. Li Tie, a driver with Shenzhen New Road Transportation, mentions, "Starting this month, our business has grown. Most of our colleagues went to Nansha Port, I did not go there, I just stayed here. All of us are transporting cherries to Guangzhou Jiangnan Wholesale Market, which are then distributed to other places."
The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association anticipates that in the 2024-2025 season, Chile will produce more cherries than ever before, with exports increasing by 50% compared to previous seasons. Nicolas Ramirez, Asia Commercial Representative at Frutera San Fernando S.A, highlights market challenges, "What happened right now is the market is making a big difference between good quality and bad quality. So the challenge is for us to improve quality, but also we need the support of cheap airlines to arrive on time to follow the market tense."
As China reduces import tariffs and expands market access, Chilean cherries are becoming more affordable for Chinese consumers and more profitable for Chilean farmers. The journey of Chilean cherries to China illustrates the complex interplay of production, export, logistics, and demand dynamics.
Source: CGTN