According to a report [3] recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, this year’s U.S. cherry exports to China concluded in late August. Weighed down by high tariffs, intensifying competition and supply chain disruptions, the export volume to China fell to about 65% of that seen in 2024.

According to statistics from Northwest Cherry Growers, U.S. cherry production in 2025 was about 15% higher than in 2024. Direct exports to China were estimated at 8,200 metric tons, a 35% decline from last year. Although U.S. cherries retained a solid market share in China, profit margins were affected by falling prices, intensified competition and rising logistics costs. The 2025 season also underscored the steady demand from China’s premium fruit consumers for U.S. cherries.

Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai remained the three main importing cities, with this season relying more heavily on air freight. Traditionally, air shipments dominate the early season, while sea freight is primarily used for late-season varieties in August. This year, against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions, some buyers in southern China continued to rely on air freight even after sea freight was able to match the daily demand from retailers. Meanwhile, some U.S. exporters and packers chose to forgo containerized shipments entirely owing to tariff uncertainty [4] and inspection concerns, resulting in fewer sea containers than in 2024.

This season, U.S. cherries faced strong competition on the Chinese market from domestic lychees and cherries, as well as Canadian cherries. China’s 2025 lychee harvest was abundant, with the supply extending into mid-July. Domestically grown cherries in northern China have continued to improve in terms of both quality and yield, while remaining more competitive with respect to price. Greenhouse cultivation has made Chinese cherries available from February through early July, with production expected to expand further. Although Canada’s cherry output is smaller than that of the United States, most exports this year were shipped by air — limited in volume but consistent in quality — adding another layer of competition.

From late July to mid-August, a surge of U.S. cherries entered the market. Coupled with extreme heat and temporary wholesale market closures due to weather, this created quality issues such as off-flavors, decay and fruit damage. As a result, some retailers were forced to lower their prices to speed up sales.

From the consumer side, mid- to high-end buyers in China tend to favor premium varieties like Chelan, Skeena, Santina, Black Pearl and Regina. Sales are concentrated through e-commerce platforms such as JD.com, Tmall and Douyin, high-end supermarkets including Olé, Sam’s Club, City’super, BLT and Costco, and fruit retail chains such as Pagoda and Greenery Fruit.

Regarding industry feedback for this season, importers highlighted profitability and quality as the primary challenges. Traders and logistics providers noted that tariffs constrained the competitiveness of U.S. cherries and compressed margins on bulk shipments. Additionally, the low-price promotions of some retailers were often associated with quality issues, and varieties such as Lapins and Sweetheart were less popular among consumers. U.S. exporters also emphasized the need to improve consistency in quality, optimize logistics and continue driving demand in markets outside mainland China. Previous reports indicates that exports to South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam have increased.

Image: Pixabay

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article [5].