In W40 in the cherry landscape, Chile exported 2.5 million metric tons (mmt) of fruit valued at USD 5.973 billion from Jan-23 to Aug-23, as the Oficina de Estudios y Políticas Agrarias (ODEPA) reported. These figures indicate a 6% year-over-year (YoY) decrease in volume but an 8.8% YoY increase in value. Among the fresh fruit exports, Chilean cherries stood out as the primary category, with a volume of 302.7 thousand metric tons (mt) and a value of USD 1.820 billion, accounting for 41.3% of the total fresh fruit exports between Jan-23 and Aug-23. This represented a 6% YoY increase in volume and a 22% YoY increase in value. The primary export destination for Chilean cherries was China, contributing to 91% of the value of Chilean cherry exports.
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) September fruit outlook for the 2024 season in the United States (US) shows mixed yield results for various fruits. Apple, apricot, grape, pear, and sweet cherry production are expected to increase, while peaches, tart cherries, and cranberries are expected to decrease. The increase in apple and sweet cherry production is due to favorable spring weather in the Pacific Northwest. However, a cool spring in California led to reduced yields for some blooming crops. Inadequate chill hours and spring freeze events negatively impacted fruit production in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. On the other hand, the USDA predicts a potential 75 thousand tons increase in cherry exports from Turkey, with Russia currently ranking second in cherry imports.
Moreover, the USDA has lowered Australia's cherry production for the 2022/23 season to 17 thousand tons from its previous estimate of 19 thousand tons. Meanwhile, due to improved production conditions, USDA reported that the Australian cherry production will increase to 20 thousand tons for the 2023/24 season, 12% higher than the average of the last five years. This production increase is expected to enhance cherry quality, leading to a significant surge in fresh cherry exports, estimated at 5 thousand tons. The dry weather between Sept-23 and Nov-23 will benefit growers, providing ample irrigation water and reducing pollination disruptions, fungal infestation, and soil moisture.