China's Evolving Import Logistics for Fresh Produce

In December 2025, Chilean cherries made their way to China via a direct sea route, marking another milestone in the evolution of China's import logistics systems. The introduction of the 'cherry express' in 2018 has been pivotal in enhancing the efficiency of transporting fresh produce from Chile to China, reducing the transit time from 30 days to just 23 days.

Streamlined Shipping Routes

The 'cherry express' has become a critical component in the logistics chain for importing fresh produce into China. With 90% of fresh cherries being transported by sea, this direct route has significantly contributed to the reduction in shipping time. Such advancements are essential for maintaining the high quality of imports, as fresh produce requires sophisticated logistics to ensure they arrive in optimal condition.

China's import logistics systems have been evolving rapidly to meet these demands. The logistics chain is highly coordinated, ensuring that the produce is handled efficiently from the point of origin to its final destination. This level of coordination is crucial for minimizing delays and maintaining the freshness of the products upon arrival.

Growth in Logistics Infrastructure

The expansion of China's logistics sector has been evident, particularly in August when significant growth was recorded. The number of freight trains operated reached 28,000, representing a 7.8% increase. This expansion is part of a broader trend of increasing capacity and efficiency in the logistics infrastructure to support the growing import demands.

Additionally, port container throughput has grown by 6.4%, indicating an enhancement in the handling capacity of Chinese ports. This growth is aligned with China's strategic goals to improve its logistics capabilities and accommodate the rising volume of imports, including perishable goods like fresh produce.

Air Cargo and Its Role

While sea transportation remains the dominant mode for importing fresh produce, international air cargo has also seen substantial increases. The volume of international air cargo has grown by over 20%, providing an alternative for time-sensitive goods that require faster delivery times.

The increase in air cargo capacity complements the sea and rail logistics, offering a comprehensive approach to handling different types of imports. The flexibility of using multiple transportation modes ensures that China can efficiently manage its import logistics, catering to various needs and ensuring the timely delivery of fresh produce.

Future Prospects

As China's logistics systems continue to evolve, the focus remains on enhancing efficiency and capacity to meet the demands of high-quality imports. The advancements in logistics technology and infrastructure are expected to further reduce transit times and improve the overall reliability of the supply chain.

With the ongoing expansion in the logistics sector, China is well-positioned to handle increasing volumes of fresh produce imports, ensuring they reach consumers in peak condition. The continued development of streamlined shipping routes, coupled with advancements in freight and air cargo capabilities, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of China's import logistics.

China's evolving import logistics for fresh produce underscore the nation's commitment to enhancing its supply chain efficiency, ensuring quality and speed in delivering perishable goods.