Record volume for cherry production and import
China
Thursday 24 August 2017
FJ
The northern provinces (Shandong, Liaoning) are the most important areas for cherry production (photo: China Xinhua News).
China's cherry production is expected to grow by 9% in volume for the 2017/18 season and to total 360,000 tonnes according to the USDA GAIN FAS report.
Drought in northern China resulted in more irregular, smaller-sized fruits, but the total volume in the country increased due to the new orchards being put into production. The area dedicated to cherries is estimated at 112 000 hectares for 2017/18, almost 4% more than the previous year.
The area of cherry is growing in central and western provinces (Henan, Shanxi, Gansu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan), while the northern provinces (Shandong, Liaoning) remain stable. On export, cherries from the Shandong region were shipped to Malaysia but the volume was limited.
As regards imports, China is expected to receive 120 000 tonnes during the 2017/18 marketing year, a 10% increase over the previous year. The two peaks of demand occur in January-February (Chinese New Year) where Chile has the largest market share and in May-July when the United States is leading suppliers.
source : gain fas usda gov