2026 opens with a slowdown signal for Chilean cherry exports. In January, total value reached $1.227 billion (approximately €1.129 billion), according to data released by Fresh Fruit, a result clearly lower than in the previous two years.
In January 2025, the sector had reached $1.537 billion (approximately €1.414 billion), while in January 2024 it had climbed to $1.887 billion (approximately €1.736 billion). A significant decline, especially considering the strategic weight of this month: January represents a crucial turning point in the season, concentrating a substantial share of annual revenue.
Looking at the cumulative performance of the 2025/26 season, from November to January, export value stands at $2.486 billion (approximately €2.287 billion).
Here too, the comparison highlights a less dynamic trend compared to the recent past:
The current figure therefore sits below the previous season and slightly below 2023/24 as well, confirming a cooling phase after the peaks recorded in recent years.
Despite the overall decline, the export geography remains substantially unchanged. China continues to be by far the leading destination market for Chilean cherries.
In January 2026 alone, shipments to the Chinese market totaled $1.075 billion (approximately €0.989 billion), accounting for 88% of total exports for the month. A share that once again underscores the sector’s strong dependence on the Asian giant, especially during the key period linked to Lunar New Year.
Behind China rank:
Several European countries also appear, including Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, though with significantly smaller shares compared to Asian and North American markets.
At the domestic territorial level, the Región del Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins maintains its leadership as the main area of origin for exports, despite recording a decline in value. This region accounts for 53% of total export value.
It is followed by:
The production concentration in these areas confirms the central role of south-central Chile in the national cherry supply chain.
The slowdown recorded in January 2026 raises questions about the evolution of the 2025/26 campaign, particularly in a context heavily dependent on Chinese demand.
With January playing a decisive role in overall results, the performance of the following months will be crucial to rebalance the seasonal outcome.
For the Chilean cherry sector, increasingly oriented toward premium exports and major Asian markets, the challenge remains to consolidate volumes and diversify destinations, reducing vulnerability linked to geographic concentration of sales.
Source: fruchthandel.de
Image source: Stefano Lugli
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