Fresh Chilean cherries began arriving in China in early December, marking the start of the 2025–2026 seaborne import season. CCTV News reported that the first sea shipment reached Hong Kong on Tuesday before moving by truck to Shenzhen Bay Port. This follows Chile's announcement on November 19 that the new export season had opened.
Chile introduced the direct "cherry express" sea route in 2018, reducing transit time from around 30 days to 23. For the current season, Chile has increased the number of direct sailings to 32, doubling last year's total. According to Chile's Ministry of Agriculture, 93 per cent of Chilean cherry exports go to China, and 90 per cent of fresh cherries travel by sea.
Cherries require cold-chain handling throughout the route. Import logistics include port operations, long-haul shipping, customs clearance, and domestic distribution. Once cleared, fruit is distributed to supermarkets, wholesale markets, and e-commerce channels, where demand is currently high.
China's dedicated cherry import chain has been built through incremental improvements in port handling, cold-chain transport, and distribution systems. The scale of consumer demand supports a long-distance supply chain for a single perishable commodity. CCTV News reported that the current system reflects sustained demand from the domestic market, which provides a stable outlet for Chilean exports.
The report noted that some foreign media have questioned China's import capacity, but the functioning of the cherry import chain suggests otherwise. The presence of a specialized logistics system requires investment and coordination across multiple operators. The continued scheduling of direct sailings and the handling of early-season arrivals indicate that demand remains stable.
As consumer expectations evolve, quality, freshness, and safety have become more central to purchasing patterns. Importing perishable fruit requires specialized cold-chain logistics, consistent temperature control, and efficient customs procedures. These requirements shape the development of China's broader import logistics systems and influence how supply chains respond to seasonal demand.
For exporters, a functioning chain from harvest to retail enables Chilean cherries to reach Chinese markets during peak consumption periods. The distribution of early-season fruit illustrates how logistics infrastructure and market demand align to support trade flows.
The current season offers an overview of how China's import channels continue to adapt. The movement of Chilean cherries highlights the role of logistics coordination, cold-chain investment, and year-to-year adjustments in maintaining supply across long distances.
Source: Global Times
