The 2025 U.S. cherry season to China ended in late August, with shipments closing at an estimated 65 percent of last year’s volume. Despite tariffs, competition, and logistical challenges, Northwest cherries maintained demand, although margins narrowed.
Industry estimates indicate direct shipments to China totaled around 8,200 tons, down 35 percent year-on-year and 38 percent below the five-year average of 8,480 tons. According to Northwest Cherry Growers, the 2025 crop was approximately 15 percent larger than in 2024, but export volumes to China fell as traders diversified into other Asian markets, including Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
This season saw heavy reliance on air freight. Significant volumes continued to be shipped by air even after ocean arrivals began, with buyers seeking flexibility amid trade negotiations. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai were the main entry points, though fewer sea containers were shipped compared to 2024 due to tariff uncertainty and inspection risks. In Shanghai, cherries were increasingly shipped as cargo on passenger flights rather than dedicated freighters, reflecting tighter margins.
Competition also shaped market outcomes. China’s domestic cherry production continued to expand, supported by greenhouse cultivation that extended the season from February to July. Northern Chinese cherries increased in both quality and availability at lower price points. Canadian cherries, shipped mainly by air in small but stable volumes, also competed directly with U.S. fruit. In addition, China’s lychee harvest was large and extended into mid-July, providing a seasonal alternative in the fruit category.
Market congestion between late July and mid-August further pressured prices. Large volumes of U.S. cherries arrived during periods of extreme heat, while temporary wholesale market closures due to weather disruptions led to quality deterioration, including bruising, decay, and off-flavors. Retailers reduced prices to clear supply.
Consumer demand concentrated on premium varieties such as Chelan, Skeena, Santina, Black Pearl, and Regina. Purchases were driven mainly by e-commerce platforms such as JD.com, Tmall, and Douyin, along with high-end retailers including Ole, Sam’s Club, City Super, BLT, Costco, and specialty fruit chains such as Pagoda and Greenery. Lower-priced varieties, including Lapins and Sweetheart, were less favored.
Importers pointed to tariffs and quality consistency as the main challenges. They noted that profitability was limited as lower retail prices often reflected storage and handling issues. U.S. exporters also emphasized the need to improve logistics efficiency and expand market diversification to reduce reliance on China.
The 2025 season highlighted both the resilience of U.S. cherries in the Chinese premium segment and the growing need for alternative markets in Asia.
News Courtesy : Freshplaza