China’s cherry production is forecast at 650,000 MT in MY 2022/23, driven by expanded area in the northwest and southwest. Cherry imports from the U.S. are expected to fall because of reduced supplies and COVID related logistical issues. China’s peach and nectarine production is forecast to increase to 16.8 MMT in MY 2022/23 on favorable growing conditions. Exports are expected to regain lost ground from MY 2021/22 with the resumption of market access to Russia.
Peaches/ Nectarines
China’s peach and nectarine production is forecast at 16.8 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 (January-December), an increase of 5 percent from MY 2021/22. Peach growers report favorable growing conditions in most peach-producing areas, especially those in southern China, leading to a larger crop. Traders also report that fruit quality of early variety peaches, which were harvested in late May 2022, is better than last season. China’s peach production is expected to remain stable or slightly increase in the next few years with better yields, despite slowly declining planted area.
Unfavorable market returns are the main reason behind the acreage declines. Although some farmers are adopting new farming technology, such as greenhouses, to extend the supply season, or are shifting to market-favored varieties, the overall supply of peaches and nectarines exceeds the demand, especially during the peak harvest months. In addition, some farmers are replacing their peach/nectarine plantings with more profitable crops, like cherries. Sources report this transition is slow because of labor shortages and limited funding. Peaches and nectarines are commercially planted in 20 provinces. The top producing provinces are Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Hebei, and Anhui.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov