Despite a shorter Northwest cherry crop and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of U.S. cherry exports grew 2% in 2020, U.S. trade statistics show. Industry leaders think they can top last year’s performance in 2021. U.S. cherry exports totaled $502.9 million in 2020, up 2% from $492.8 million in 2019 but 3% down from $518.8 million in 2018.
By volume, U.S. cherry exports in 2020 totaled 66,960 metric tons, down 22% from 84,056 metric tons in 2019 and down 24% from 86,729 metric tons in 2018.
In terms of value, these were some of the top export markets for U.S. cherries in 2020:
- With imports of $143 million in 2020, Canada was a top target of U.S. cherry exports, up 19% from $120.6 million in 2019 and down 24% from $188.5 million in 2018;
- South Korea is a major importer of U.S. cherries, buying $124 million in 2020, up 21% from $101.7 million in 2019 and down 4% from $129.4 million in 2018;
- China imported $64.3 million of U.S. cherries in 2020, down 15% from $75.2 million in 2019 and down 30% from $91.1 million in 2018;
- Japan’s imports of U.S. cherries totaled $37.4 million in 2020, up 6% from $35.1 million in 2019 and up 15% from $31.8 million in 2018; and
- U.S. cherry exports to Hong Kong totaled $22.3 million in 2020, down 40% from $37.3 million in 2019 and down 38% from $35.7 million in 2018.
2021 outlook
For the 2021 season, export markets are engaged and excited for the upcoming cherry season, said George Harter, vice president of marketing for Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards. “There are some concerns regarding logistics that the industry is collectively working through and it appears that there may be a lack of equipment available for ocean cherry loads,” he said. “There have been new regulations that recently went into effect in some of the Asian markets that we are reviewing currently that may or may not impact our export season. Other than that, everyone is hoping that Mother Nature cooperates and that we have an excellent cherry season this season!”
The export outlook is strong, said Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee. “There is lots of pent-up demand for cherries worldwide.”
Roughly 30-35% of the Northwest cherry crop will be exported in 2021, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit.
B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers, Yakima, said export markets will compete for what is expected to be a great crop of Northwest cherries. Growing conditions have been optimal, which is favorable for fruit quality, he said.
Exports will get more focus this year with a bigger crop, said Dan Davis, director of business development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee. “There are trials in place with the global shipping situation causing issues, but many markets will be poised to receive more cherries,” Davis said.
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