News in brief:
– Chile anticipates a 92% surge in cherry exports to China for the 2023-24 season, driven by high market demand and advancements in global cold chain logistics.
– The cherry has become the country’s second-most important export to China, with an annual value exceeding $2 billion.
According to China Daily, Chile anticipates a 92% surge in cherry exports to China during the 2023-24 season, a notable increase from the previous season’s 88%, driven by heightened market demand and advancements in global cold chain logistics.
In recent weeks, Chile has experienced a significant uptick in cherry exports to China, reaching 365,968 metric tons compared to 362,607 tons in the previous season. This trend is expected to persist leading up to the Chinese Lunar New Year, as reported by the Chilean embassy in Beijing.
Cherry becomes key export for Chile
The cherry, a non-existent export 15 years ago, has now become Chile’s second-most important product shipped to China, with an annual export value exceeding $2 billion.
In a report, Mauricio Hurtado, Chile’s ambassador to China, emphasised that this trade expansion not only contributes to both countries’ economic growth but also opens avenues for introducing new products.
He revealed plans to introduce peaches and Coho salmon to the Chinese market. With the recent declaration of Chile being bird flu-free, there is an eagerness to resume poultry and chicken product exports to China. The Agricultural and Livestock Service, in collaboration with Shanghai Customs, has been working on an efficient plan to expedite the entry of Chilean fresh fruit into Shanghai ports.
Innovative approaches for efficient trade
The collaboration targets containers undergoing cold treatments, crucial for regions in Chile facing sporadic fruit fly outbreaks. An innovative approach, authorised by China’s General Administration of Customs, ensures online verification of container details, reducing transport time from Chile to Shanghai ports to 28 days.
Fueled by the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement and the Belt and Road Initiative, business ties between China and Chile are set to expand. The Agricultural and Livestock Service aims to capitalize on opportunities in technology cooperation and trade in services.