Chile's fruit exporters diversify markets as shipments shift away from China

Chile exported 113.8 million boxes of cherries in the latest season, a 5 % drop from the previous cycle, while the share of shipments to China fell from 92 % to 87 %. Exports to other markets – the United States, Taiwan, South Korea and Brazil – rose 27 %, reflecting a strategic push to broaden the export base beyond the dominant Chinese market. The sector generated over US$3 billion in revenue, and industry leaders highlighted a focus on quality, phytosanitary safeguards and logistics to sustain growth.

At the Terminal Puerto Coquimbo, citrus exporters closed the 2026 season with 36,708 tonnes shipped, mainly to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and Spain. The terminal’s new Site 3 service, opened in 2024, reduced inland transport distances and bolstered the region’s role as a key supplier of fresh fruit. Officials noted that the season created thousands of direct and indirect jobs and underscored Chile’s commitment to maintaining high standards of product quality and safety for international markets.