Cherry Boom: Chile’s Lucrative Export Surge to China

In early 2024, Chile exported cherries worth over $1.961 billion, a massive share of which—92.4%—went to China.

This stark figure spotlights Chile’s dominance in the global cherry market. Cherry exports significantly boosted the agricultural sector, raising total exports to over $7 billion, a nearly 9% increase from last year.

A high-profile ceremony kicked off the 2023-2024 cherry season, attended by dignitaries from Chile and China.

This event underscored the strengthening bilateral ties, spurred by a free trade agreement. It also celebrated the cherry’s pivotal role in Chinese New Year festivities.

Despite challenges like frost and pests, the cherry industry has bolstered employment and economic growth, particularly in the regions of O’Higgins and Maule.

Additionally, Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports reached a record $22.5 billion, one of the highest in the nation’s history.

These figures illustrate the success of Chile’s strategy to diversify its trade and elevate its profile on the world stage.

Background

In the first five months of 2024, China became the leading destination for Chilean food exports, totaling $2.567 billion.

ProChile, using data from Chile’s National Customs Service, reported this significant development.

This surge positioned China as the top market for Chilean food, said Ignacio Fernández, Director General of ProChile, in “El Mercurio.”

Collaboration, including ChileWeek and ProChile’s offices, has boosted Chile’s reputation as a global high-quality food supplier.

From January to May 2024, Chilean food exports to China grew by 16.6% compared to the same period in 2023.

This growth highlights China’s significant share, accounting for 25.7% of Chile’s total food exports, which amounted to $9.950 billion by the end of May 2024.

Other key markets are the U.S. ($2.436 billion), Japan ($710 million), Brazil ($685 million), and Mexico ($318 million).