Import growth is driving demand for refrigerated containers

Increase of 26% over the past 5 years for Chinese imports of fruit. 

According to data from " International Trade Centre " China has increased significantly ( +26% ) over the last 5 years in fruit imports which totaled $ 4 billion last year. Its sources have been diversified, ranging from its Asian neighbors to other countries much further away from the southern hemisphere. Therefore 82 % of Chinese imports of cherries (very popular during the New Year period because of their ruby color) from Chile.

Parallel to the increase of imports into China , major investments have been made in the country to improve the storage capacity and the logistics of cold chain. The entire sector has experienced strong growth and will remain strong in the coming years , projections show a continuing upward trend in imports of perishable products.

The fleet of refrigerated containers worldwide has increased by a third to 1.2 million TEUs (20 -foot equivalent TEU ) between 2009 and 2013, the shipping of perishable products increased 13% over the same period and should continue to grow by 3% per year , according to industry professionals.

source : south china morning post com 

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