HS Code:
Cherries, classified under HS Code 080929 (fresh cherries, other than sour cherries) and related subcategories, are a high-value fruit commodity in global trade. They are cultivated in temperate climates and are primarily traded as fresh produce, though preserved and processed cherries (e.g., frozen, dried, or in brine) also hold significant market share. The trade of cherries is driven by seasonal production cycles, with major exporters in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres complementing each other to ensure year-round supply. Key factors influencing trade include climatic conditions, phytosanitary regulations, and consumer demand for premium fruit varieties.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $3.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.2 billion USD
34% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$800 million USD
23% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$500 million USD
14% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain countries like India on imported cherries to protect domestic markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Chile FTA or USMCA)
Growing demand in Asia-Pacific markets
Countries like China and South Korea are increasing imports of cherries, especially during festive seasons, driving export growth for Southern Hemisphere producers like Chile.
2021-2022
Shift towards premium varieties
Consumers are favoring high-quality, larger-sized cherries, leading to investments in new cultivars and improved storage technologies.
2020-2022
Climate change affecting production
Erratic weather patterns, such as late frosts and droughts, are impacting yields in traditional cherry-growing regions, causing supply volatility.
2019-2022
Chile and China signed an updated free trade agreement reducing tariffs on cherries, further boosting Chilean exports to China, the largest market for cherries.
November 2022
Expected to increase Chilean cherry exports by 10-15% annually, intensifying competition for other exporters.
Ongoing trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs with key markets have led to a slight decline in US cherry exports to certain regions.
Mid-2022
US producers are seeking alternative markets in Southeast Asia and Europe to offset losses.
The European Union introduced stricter phytosanitary rules for cherry imports to prevent the spread of pests like the spotted wing drosophila.
January 2023
Non-EU exporters face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing market access for smaller producers.