China Stone Fruit Annual Report 2013
Report Highlights:
China’s peach/nectarine production in marketing year MY13 is forecast at 11.5 million tons, a four percent decrease from MY12, as unfavorable weather limited pollination and poor profit signals reduce planted acreage. Peach exports will remain strong but limited supplies will slow the recent upward trend.
China’s cherry production is estimated at 180,000 tons, an increase of nearly six percent from last year, as strong demand and strong profits drive increased planted acreage. MY/13 cherry imports are expected to expand by 20 percent to 50,000 tons, driven by rising consumption of high-end fruits. The United States remains China’s second largest cherry supplier behind Chile.
Executive Summary:
China’s peach/nectarine production is forecast at 11.5 MMT in MY 2013, down four percent from the previous year, due to weather that affected pollination. Peach/nectarine acreage is forecast to drop by one percent to 718,000 hectares in response to poor market returns, drawing some farmers to switch to alternative crops like cherries or grains. Although peach exports are forecast to increase by seven percent to 50,000 MT, this is a slower rise than seen in recent years due to smaller production.Cherry production is forecast at 180,000 MT in MY13, nearly six percent growth on year. More bearings in Shandong and Liaoning and good harvests in other areas will likely offset production losses from persistently cold weather. Cherry acreage is forecast to continue an upward trend, rising by three percent to reach 68,000 hectares, on good profit signals. Strong demand is influencing cherry imports that are forecast to increase by 20 percent to 50,000 MT in MY13. Chile and the United States are top two suppliers. The rapid growth in cherry imports seen in recent years is likely to slow somewhat in response to reductions in public spending
