China: Cherry output grows as imports set to hit 600K tons in 2025/26

China is preparing for a further expansion of the cherry market. According to the China: Stone Fruit Annual Report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the 2025/26 season will see an increase in domestic production and imports are expected to reach 600,000 tons.

Domestic production

For the April 2025 – March 2026 season, Chinese cherry production is expected to reach 900,000 tons (+6% compared to the previous season). The expansion of cultivated areas and more advanced agronomic management have improved yield and quality, confirming cherries as a high-value crop with higher margins than other fruits.

In 2024/25, the total cherry-growing area reached 199,000 hectares and a further increase to 205,000 hectares is expected for 2025/26. In leading provinces such as Shandong and Liaoning, planted areas remain stable, while growth is driven by emerging areas such as Sichuan and Xinjiang. Here, less favorable natural conditions are offset by greenhouse cultivation, which is driving the adoption of early varieties such as Meizao (Bing), alongside Russian No. 8 and Summit.

In open-field cultivation, Meizao, Russian No. 8, Brooks, Kordia, Lapins, and Rainier remain common. At the same time, interest is growing in new selections: in Sichuan, three local cultivars have been introduced — Shuzaomei, Shuzimei, and Shuguimei — valued for their earliness, shelf life, and productivity. New market entries also include Rocket and Linglongcui, which are still in the early stages of adoption.

Prices under pressure

In recent years, increased supply has led to a gradual decline in prices. The concentrated harvest of key varieties such as Meizao causes peaks in availability that push retail prices down.

The 2024/25 season was also directly affected by the abundance of Chilean cherries, with an excess supply further lowering prices, particularly for greenhouse production. A grower from Dalian reported a selling price of around 70 yuan/kg (USD 9.75 — approx. EUR 8.94), down 15% from the previous season. With Chilean supply expected to continue growing, prices could face further pressure in 2025/26. However, larger and higher-quality fruit continues to achieve premium prices, while smaller calibers remain disadvantaged.

Consumption and imports

Extended availability, rising quality, and widespread distribution — supported by e-commerce and cold-chain logistics — are accelerating cherry consumption in China, including in lower-tier cities. Chinese consumers prefer large, dark, firm cherries with high sugar content.

Imports follow the same trend: from 388,000 tons in 2023/24 to 552,500 tons in 2024/25, with a projection of 600,000 tons for 2025/26. Chile remains the undisputed leader thanks to the overlap of its season with Chinese New Year, zero tariffs under the China–Chile Free Trade Agreement, and historically high margins. In 2024/25, Chilean exports to China grew by 44% year-on-year, and the volume expected for 2025/26 is even higher.

Cherries in China: balancing growth and market sustainability

With domestic growth and record imports, China confirms its position as the hub of the global cherry market. The challenge for the future will be to balance supply and prices, focusing on quality and varietal innovation to maintain high competitiveness.

Source: producereport.com

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