Chile's Cherry Exports to China: Highlights of an Exceptional Season
For the fourth consecutive year, Chile marked a record in cherry production and exports, unfolding a season that was, in commercial terms, more 'standard' compared to the tumultuous past two years. This normalcy was experienced by those cultivating early harvests, as well as those with mid-season and late-season fruits. The lifting of mobility restrictions, just as a surge of containers began to dock at their destinations, played a crucial role in setting a new record for the national cherry campaign.
Although much of the world saw the Covid-19 pandemic less restrictive than in 2020 and 2021, China continued its 'Zero Covid' policy. However, a significant shift occurred at the onset of December when the country announced an easing of measures, intending to reclaim a semblance of normality. Such news was a cause for celebration for the cherry industry, which was in the throes of the 2022/23 season at the time.
The first tentative steps towards a moderate reopening were followed by an ...