China opens to Spanish cherry exports: protocol signed

17 Apr 2025
250

Strategic agreement for Iberian fruit: China officially opens its doors to Spanish cherries, a key step in the diversification of non-EU markets.

During the official visit of the Spanish Prime Minister to China, the long-awaited turning point for the fruit sector arrived: the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, together with the Minister of the General Administration of Chinese Customs, Sun Meijun, signed a new bilateral protocol authorizing the export of Spanish cherries to the Chinese market.

The news was welcomed with enthusiasm by FEPEX, the Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, which has long pursued a strategy of diversifying export destinations.

New opportunities for the sector

The signing of the protocol marks a crucial moment for a sector that has seen strong growth, particularly in the Aragon regions, where cherry cultivation has increased significantly.

Until now, the main commercial outlets for Spanish cherries were within the European Union, but the opening of the Asian giant represents a concrete growth opportunity for non-EU exports.

In 2024, Spain exported a total of 39,968 tonnes of cherries, of which 33,440 tonnes remained within the EU market, while 6,528 tonnes were shipped outside the EU.

The United Kingdom confirmed itself as the top trading partner outside the EU (5,725 t), followed by South Africa (100 t) and Hong Kong (103 t).

The total export value of cherries reached €139 million, of which €110 million was related to the EU market.

Phytosanitary requirements and controls

To export fresh fruit to China, strict phytosanitary requirements must be met, as set out in bilateral protocols.

The signing of this new agreement will speed up the administrative steps required to meet Chinese standards.

Interested exporters will have to register in a special list prepared by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and undergo a compliance audit, as indicated by FEPEX.

Currently, in addition to cherries, the Chinese market is also open to other Spanish fruit and vegetable products: stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines), grapes, citrus fruits, persimmons and almonds.

China: a market to discover

Despite its potential, Spanish fruit and vegetable exports to China remain limited.

In 2024, only 3,871 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables were sent, accounting for just 0.03% of Spain’s total exports, which reached 12.3 million tonnes.

The total value of these exports was €6.8 million, according to customs data processed by FEPEX.

Looking to the future

The entry of Spanish cherries into the Chinese market marks a turning point that could also inspire other European producing countries, including Italy, to explore trade opportunities with Beijing.

In an international context where resilience and market diversification have become essential, this new agreement confirms the central role of trade diplomacy in the agri-food sector.

Source: revistamercados.com


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The importance of pH control in the disinfection of cherries with ozonated water

Post-harvest​

03 Jan 2025

The ORP measures the oxidising capacity of water. A higher value indicates a greater capacity to destroy microorganisms. By lowering the pH, dissolved ozone becomes more effective as an oxidising agent. This increases the ORP and improves the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

A new model to understand the irrigation needs of cherry trees

Tech management

10 Jan 2025

The main objective of the work conducted in Chile in collaboration with the German research center for artificial intelligence was to predict the daily spatial variation of plant water potentials through the use of machine learning models.

In evidenza

Penny Measham appointed as new CEO of Cherry Growers Australia: expert leadership for cherries

Production

09 May 2025

Cherry Growers Australia appoints Penny Measham as new CEO from May 12, 2025. With an international background, she will confidently lead the cherry sector towards new goals, boosting global presence and strongly supporting local Australian growers.

Why Spanish cherries are conquering China: luxury, health and booming market

Markets

09 May 2025

Spanish cherries are conquering China as a symbol of luxury and prosperity. Thanks to e-commerce, emotional marketing, premium quality, rising demand, social media, and packaging, Spain has a unique chance to stand out in China’s highly competitive fresh premium cherry market.

Tag Popolari