CHINA

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

In early January, USA Red Anjou was available at most Sam’s Club stores, packaged in gift boxes weighing 1.8 kg/ box. The quality was quite good with a fine movement, and the retail price was RMB 49.9 per box. A major importer and retail supplier said that they have encountered quality problems in importing Red Anjou for two consecutive years. They have borne most of the losses, affecting their confidence in importing USA Pears. The most recent shipment of Red Anjou had many crush injuries this time due to improper packaging during transportation, though other quality issues were minor. They reported that they plan to continue to import USA Pears in the future but hope that arrival quality of the pears improve so that they don't have to suffer unnecessary losses. Another importer reports that if the import tariff of USA Pears remains the same, they will continue to import. However, there are too many uncertainties at the moment, and they will suspend the import of all U.S. fruits.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

None at this time.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

US1 Green Anjou and Red Anjou with size 70-80. Importers are also interested in mixed varieties with smaller sizes in order to develop gift boxes where consumers can taste the different varieties.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Six containers of Dutch Conference and three containers of Belgian Conference arrived in China. The quality was acceptable with decreased wholesale prices and a fine movement. One container of South African Forelle arrived in Shanghai. The quality was acceptable with stable wholesale prices and a fine movement. Domestic pears continued hitting the market in large quantities, with varieties Fragrant, Autumn Moon, Housui, Ya, Snowflake and Crown. The quality levels varied with stable wholesale prices, and the movement was acceptable. Importers stated that the huge number of Chilean cherries this season with quality problems led merchants to sell them at sharply reduced prices, depressing the overall price of the fruit market.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

The tariff issue between the U.S. and China is still pending, and importers are still waiting for the outcome.

Other Brief Comments:

None at this time.