Chilean fruit exporters are celebrating a significant development as China opens its doors to Chilean peaches and apricots.
This market access opportunity arises following the signing of a protocol in Beijing, underlining the strengthening ties between the two nations.
The protocol is part of a series of agriculture agreements signed by Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Chinese President Xi Jinping during President Boric’s visit to China to attend the Belt and Road Forum.
The access to the Chinese market for peaches and apricots is expected to create fresh opportunities for Chilean stone fruit producers and exporters, thanks to the strong demand for these fruits in China, according to the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture.
Chilean Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela emphasized the significance of the new protocol, particularly for the regions where peach and apricot production is concentrated.
He stated, “We’re delighted that peaches from Central Chile and apricots, which are such an important crop in Valparaíso and the Coquimbo region, especially the province of Choapa, among other areas, will be part of Chilean fruit supply to China.”
Iván Marambio, President of Asoex (Chilean Fruit Exporters Association), who accompanied President Boric to China, also welcomed the new market access.
He pointed out that this protocol not only expands exports to China but also positions Chile as the first country to secure access for virtually all its fruits to enter the Chinese market.
Marambio highlighted the strong relations between the two nations and the cooperative efforts of the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, and SAG (Agriculture and Livestock Service) to deliver high-quality and safe fruit to consumers.
Before exports can commence, Chinese inspectors from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Department will conduct a technical visit to Chile to audit operations.
Chile exported 270,000 tonnes of stone fruit in 2022, with plums accounting for the largest share by volume (59%), followed by nectarines (31%), peaches (10%), and apricots (0.38%).
China served as the primary destination, receiving 134,000 tonnes, comprising about 50% of total exports, followed by the US with 52,000 tonnes (19%).
Comments are closed.