First Shipments of 2026-2027 Chilean Cherries Arrive in China

The first shipment of Chilean cherries from the 2026-2027 season arrived in China aboard flight CK224, which landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This shipment marks the official start of the export campaign of the Chilean fruit to the Chinese market.

According to forecasts from the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), total production for the season will reach 727,000 tons, while exports will total 667,000 tons, an increase of nearly 16% compared to the previous cycle.

The first shipments correspond to early varieties such as AG2 and the first batches of Santina. Rainfall recorded in Chile delayed harvesting operations by five to ten days, which is why the initial air shipments are limited and focused on the premium segment. The peak Santina harvest will take place between mid-November and mid-December, while the late varieties Lapins, Regina, and Bing will extend the season through February.

The first refrigerated containers will begin arriving by sea from mid- to late November, via dedicated cherry shipping lines with transit times of between 21 and 23 days. This shift from air to sea freight is key to expanding supply and reducing per-unit freight costs, since initial air shipments carry higher prices while vessels allow for the transport of larger volumes. The greatest supply in the Chinese market is expected between mid-December and mid- to late January, coinciding with the peak winter and holiday consumption season.

China has absorbed around 90% of Chilean cherry exports in recent seasons, favored by the seasonal complementarity between both hemispheres. The free trade agreement in force, customs efficiency, the specialized cold chain, and direct shipping services such as Cherry Express underpin this highly predictable logistics operation between Chile and China.