Bilateral trade between Chile and China reached $61.66 billion in 2024, an 8.6-fold increase from 2006. Chilean cherries have emerged as a key symbol of this partnership, with exports nearing $3.3 billion in the 2024/25 season. Industry leaders remain optimistic despite a slight volume decline.
Since the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2006, economic ties between the two nations have expanded dramatically. Chilean Ambassador to China Pablo Arriaran noted that bilateral trade hit $61.66 billion in 2024, the highest per-capita value between China and any South American country.
Chilean cherries stand out in this trade, with exports to China valued at nearly $3.3 billion in the 2024/25 season. Arriaran said: "With their auspicious red color conveying the warmth of the Chilean sun during China's winter, cherries have become a symbol of the close ties between our two countries."
Frutas de Chile president Ivan Marambio stated that China is Chile's largest market, receiving 90 percent of cherry exports and 40 percent of all fruit. Representing over 200 exporting companies, the group aims to deepen consumer ties. Marambio added: "Now, we want to take the relationship with Chinese consumers to the next level... We want cherries to become part of everyday life, expanding how and when people enjoy them."
This year, export volumes fell 12.1 percent due to an early harvest advancing the season by 7 to 10 days. Beijing's Xinfadi wholesale market data shows prices dropping from 36 yuan ($5.2) per 500 grams in 2024 to 26 yuan in January 2026. Marambio emphasized: "The core advantage of our fruit comes from the quality... That is our main strength."
Chilean Cherry Committee executive director Claudia Soler highlighted growth potential in China's second- and third-tier cities. A new initiative, the Chilean Cherry Ice & Snow Festival in Changchun, Jilin province, links cherries to winter sports. Soler said: "The idea is to connect our cherries with winter sports to create a fun and exciting experience... positioning cherries as a premium product during the winter months."
Logistics improvements have cut delivery times to 22 days via direct routes to Shanghai and Tianjin. Marambio views collaboration with Chinese growers positively: "It's not a competition for us... Our goal is to keep elevating the cherry category as a whole."
