Cherries find global sales despite Chinese tariffs

Cherries find global sales despite Chinese tariffs

California cherry exports don’t rely heavily on China, and that is a good thing this year.

For 2018, China hiked the tariff rates on U.S. cherry imports by 15% in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on China.

During the April through June period that California is shipping cherries, U.S. cherry exports are spread to nearly 40 countries.

That diversity in export sales should help California marketers this year.

Though China is only the fourth leading market for U.S. cherry exports for the April through June period, it was one of the fastest growing markets.

“Time will tell what the new tariff in China does to us,” said Mike Jameson, director of sales and marketing for Linden, Calif.-based Morada Produce.

“It will affect us a little bit, but I don’t think it will be dramatic.” 

 

The tariff on China is not going to affect everyone in the same way, said Matt Nowak, domestic and export account manager for Grower Direct Marketing LLC, Stockton, Calif.

“We might see a little dip in supply being shipped to China but I still think there will be good movement into that market no matter what the tariffs end up doing,” he said.

According to trade statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leading export destinations from cherry exports from April through June in 2017 were:

  • South Korea: 2017 value $107.5 million, down 11% from 2016. Volume: 1.41 million 18-pound cartons, down 8% from 2016.
  • Canada: 2017 value $78.43 million, up 51% from 2016. Volume: 1.7 million 18-pound cartons, up 75% from 2016.
  • Japan: 2017 value $41.13 million, down 24% compared with 2016. Volume: 587,277 18-pound cartons, down 22% from 2016.
  • China: 2017 value $32.6 million, up 133% from 2016. Volume: 498,177 18-pound cartons, up 147% from 2016.
  • Taiwan: 2017 value $16.5 million, up 121% from 2016. Volume: 271,944 cartons, up 163% from 2016.
  • Hong Kong: 2017 value $15.1 million, up 165% from 2016. Volume: 213,155 18 pound cartons, up 197% from 2016.
  • Australia: 2017 value $8.7 million, up 17% from 2016. Volume: 135,000 18 pound cartons, up 11% from 2016.
 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.