The "Cherry Express," launched in early 2024, has become a vital link between Chile and China. This direct freight service enables cherries and other perishables to travel thousands of miles while maintaining optimal storage conditions. With over 40 completed shipments and 30,000 tonnes of cherries delivered in January alone, the success of this model underscores the logistical power behind agricultural globalization.

Chilean cherries shipped to Tianjin Port are transported in temperature-controlled containers and then quickly dispatched to Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The post-arrival land transport takes as little as five hours, allowing cherries to reach supermarket shelves and wholesale markets with minimal degradation. During the peak cherry season, Haijixing Market in Tianjin alone handles 200 to 300 tonnes of Chilean cherries daily.

Beyond Cherries: Expanding Chilean Agricultural Imports
While cherries are the flagship product, Chile's exports to China also include blueberries, seafood, premium fish, dried fruits, and wine. These products follow the same expedited logistic route, reaching distribution hubs such as Beijing's Xinfadi Market and Hebei's Gaobeidian wholesale center. As Chinese consumers increasingly seek diverse, high-quality fresh foods, Chilean goods are gaining ground across regional retail networks.

Strategic Value of Tianjin Port
Tianjin Port is evolving into a strategic entry point for Latin American agricultural products. Chile's ambassador to China, Pablo Arriaran Ahumada, emphasized the port's growing importance during the recent Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo. He noted that Tianjin is not only a critical node for food imports but also a logistics hub that strengthens inland connectivity for goods moving toward northern and eastern Chinese provinces.

55 Years of Bilateral Cooperation
This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Chile. The lostanding partnership has deepened since the signing of a free trade agreement, boosting commerce in areas such as mining, agriculture, clean energy, and services. Logistics is a vital pillar of this relationship. COSCO Shipping's direct weekly routes between Chinese ports and Chile's San Antonio Port now facilitate the round-trip movement of goods-from Chinese electronics and machinery to Chilean perishables.

Investment and Market Access
Chinese companies have invested heavily in Chile's port terminals, energy transmission infrastructure, lithium and copper mines, and renewable energy projects. These economic ties are further supported by policy shifts such as China's recent visa-free program for citizens from Chile and four other Latin American countries-a move expected to enhance bilateral tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.