The Chilean fruit sector has taken a significant step to bolster its air freight capabilities to China. Frutas de Chile has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eastern Air Logistics (EAL), a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Company. This agreement aims to streamline the air shipment process for fresh Chilean cherries to the Chinese market.
Key Aspects of the Agreement:
- Data and Customs Coordination: The MoU facilitates the exchange of trade data and customs procedures between the two entities, aiming to enhance the efficiency of air shipments.
- Marketing and Promotion: Both parties have committed to mutual support in advertising and promotional activities to boost the presence of Chilean cherries in China.
Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, emphasized that this partnership would enable Chile to increase its fresh fruit exports by air to China, a market of growing importance for Chilean produce.
Current Export Statistics:
In the previous season, Chile exported 18,000 tonnes of fresh fruit to China via air freight. Cherries comprised 81% of these exports, followed by plums at 16%, table grapes at 3%, and blueberries along with other stone fruits at 1%.
Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Fruit Cherry Committee, noted that the agreement would allow exporters to capitalize on specific market windows when cherries are scarce, potentially leading to higher prices.
Celebrating a Decade of Partnership:
The MoU was signed at Santiago airport during the celebration of the tenth anniversary of China Eastern Air Logistics’ operations in Chile. Over the past decade, EAL has transported more than 50,000 tonnes of products—including cherries, blueberries, salmon, and wine—from Chile to China, with a total value exceeding US$1 billion.
Fang Hong, CEO of China Eastern Cold Chain, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We are currently developing a codeshare, while delivering new routes from Santiago to Australia and then China. With these codes, we can achieve better growth.”
This strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both Chilean and Chinese stakeholders to strengthen trade relations and enhance the efficiency of fresh fruit exports between the two nations.
