Northwest US cherries' challenging run in China
Writing and reporting by Camila Gutiérrez
According to a USDA report, Northwest US cherries suffered blows from all angles in the Chinese market this season, but the fruit was still able to retain a significant market share in the Asian giant.
The document details that Northwest cherry shipments to China were estimated at 8,200 metric tons. The number represents a 35 percent year-over-year decline, and is 38 percent below the five-year average of 8,480 tons. However, things were not bleak for US cherries, as many importers remained committed to the fruit, despite shrinking profit margins.
Unlike previous seasons, large volumes arrived by air even after maritime shipments began. Buyers had to turn to expensive air transport for greater flexibility during ongoing US-China trade negotiations.
Northwest US cherries also had to battle against other local and imported fruit. The Asian country’s 2025 harvest was exceptionally large and available through mid-July, competing with US cherry imports. And Canada, although it only shipped small batches, supplied buyers with consistently high-quality cherries by air this year, directly competing with the American fruit.
Local Chinese cherries are also improving, competing in value with imports. Varieties grown in northern China are increasing in both quality and quantity and are offered at competitive prices. Greenhouse cultivation has effectively extended the local season from February through early July, and domestic production is expected to continue growing.
Another factor affecting the season was the arrival of large consecutive volumes of US cherries between late July and mid-August. The high supply coincided with extreme heat waves and temporary wholesale market closures due to unusual weather events. This led to a decline in quality, rot, and bruising. Some retailers had to reduce prices to sell the fruit quickly.
US cherries look to the next season
US exporters said this season was a challenging one, and industry officials continually highlighted the importance of improving quality consistency, optimizing logistics, and diversifying to markets beyond China. Preliminary reports suggest an increase in US cherry exports to other Asian markets, including South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Importers reported profitability and quality as the biggest challenges this year. Traders and logistics operators said tariffs are an obstacle that limited their competitiveness and reduced the profitability of large-volume shipments.
Cheaper cherries in some retail outlets were often linked to quality issues, consistent with broader reports of storage and handling difficulties. Lapins and Sweetheart varieties received less favorable feedback.
Currently, premium varieties like Chelan, Skeena, Santina, Black Pearl, and Regina remain popular among middle- and upper-class consumers in China. Purchases are concentrated on e-commerce platforms (JD.com, Tmall, Douyin), high-end supermarkets (Ole, Sam’s Club, City Super, BLT, Costco), and specialty fruit retailers (Pagoda, Greenery, and boutique chains).
The last shipments of the 2025 Northwest US cherry harvest arrived in China at the end of August.
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