A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report has forecast a rise in Australian cherry production in 2013-14, while peaches and nectarines will likely be on the decline.

The USDA's Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report expects a 12% rise in cherry volume to 14,000 metric tons (MT) for the period, while a sharper rise of 21% is predicted for exports at 3,500MT.

The report said there was no current indication of new plantings, but the opening of the Chinese market could encourage expansion.

The production of peaches and nectarines is expected to fall by 25% to 100,000MT due to adverse market conditions that have forced many growers out of the industry. This comes at a time when season conditions have been "near perfect".

"Despite good seasonal conditions the Australian stone fruit industry has been suffering a decline in confidence due to the high Australian dollar and reduced grower returns," the report said.

"The processing sector in particular has expressed concern over competition from cheaper imports."

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