Fresh Kazakhstani peaches and apricots granted China market access

On Dec. 4, the General Administration of Customs of China announced via its website that fresh peaches and apricots from Kazakhstan meeting the stipulated phytosanitary requirements would be permitted for import. This marks the first time that fresh fruits from Kazakhstan have gained access to the Chinese market. Kazakhstan leads the agricultural trade among the five Central Asian countries, with China a major buyer of Kazakhstani agricultural products. In recent years, China has imported significant quantities of flaxseeds, sunflower oil, and other types of oilseeds and vegetable oil from the landlocked country. In addition to granting access to Kazakhstani fruits this time, the GACC is reportedly considering lifting current restrictions on Kazakhstani beef, pork and poultry. According to the GACC announcement for Kazakhstani peaches and apricots, China has identified a total of 11 quarantine pests of concern. These include the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), European grapevine ...