U.S. cherries face barriers in China, low prices flood Vietnamese market

Affected by the trade dispute between China and the United States, U.S. cherry exports to China have significantly declined. A large quantity of cherries has flooded into the Vietnamese market at the lowest historical prices, with supermarket retail prices around 299,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. The lowest price is 189,000 dong per kilogram (51.8 yuan per kilogram), which is half the price from last year.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), due to favorable weather conditions, the U.S. cherry production in 2025 is expected to be approximately 383,000 tons, an increase of 8% from 2024. Due to China's 45% import tariff on U.S. cherries, plus a 9% value-added tax, totaling 58%, U.S. exports to China have declined.

Although China suspended the additional tariff from May 14 to early August, the basic tariff level and the uncertainty of the trade dispute still make the U.S. industry cautious. The Chinese market used to account for a significant portion of U.S. cherry exports, experiencing a rapid growth period from 2015 to 2018. However, in recent years, many U.S. exporters have shifted to markets such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. Currently, Canada is the largest importer of U.S. cherries (accounting for 37%), followed by South Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam.

Vietnam is currently negotiating with the U.S. to reduce the reciprocal tariff from 46% to 20%, in exchange for zero tariffs on Vietnamese imports from the U.S. The adjustment of export markets and the increase in production have also led to a decline in U.S. domestic cherry market prices, with wholesale prices in June and July falling by 10-15% compared to the same period in 2024.

Ms. Hanh, the owner of an imported fruit store in An Hoi Dong, Ho Chi Minh City, said that this year's U.S. cherries are not only abundant in supply but also cheaper. Currently, U.S. cherries are priced at approximately 300,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram, which is 50% cheaper than last year. Her store imports about one ton per month, and the import volume is expected to double in 2024.

A representative from WinCommerce, the operator of WinMart, one of Vietnam's largest retail chains, stated that from July 8 to July 23, WinMart held a promotional event for U.S. cherries, selling them at 299,000 dong per kilogram, which is 160,000 dong lower than the original price. Supermarket consumption has increased significantly, rising by 140% compared to the same period last year.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, cherries are one of the fruits with a significant increase in import volume in the first five months of this year. The import value of cherries in Vietnam reached 28 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 43%.

Image source: vnexpress2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce, contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source as the International Fruit and Vegetable Report.