Shanghai: China's busiest port, Shanghai, is preparing for a record influx of Chilean cherries, with over 250,000 tonnes anticipated to arrive before the Chinese New Year in February, according to municipal customs authorities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the onset of the 2025-2026 Chilean cherry harvest season has already seen the "Cherry Express" cargo ships dispatch two shipments to Shanghai this month, totaling 216.9 tonnes. The upcoming New Year and the traditional Chinese New Year holiday in February are expected to trigger a peak consumption period in China.

Shanghai Customs reports that approximately 31 specialized "Cherry Express" ships are scheduled to dock at the city's Yangshan Port before the holiday, potentially delivering around 250,000 tonnes of cherries. From Shanghai, these cherries can be efficiently distributed throughout China. This year's imports are projected to be two to three times higher than last season, underscoring China's increasing significance as a market for Chilean cherries.

To manage the seasonal surge in fruit, Shanghai Customs has implemented advanced smart supervision technologies. A notable development is the "intelligent evaluation system for cold treatment effects" on fresh fruit. Additionally, a collaborative mechanism between Shanghai Customs and its Chilean counterpart allows Chinese authorities to access and verify necessary data online, thereby enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance.