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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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