Unlocking the Potential of Chilean Exports with China Eastern Airlines
As the 2024-2025 cherry season kicks off, China Eastern Airlines is set to play a pivotal role in transporting 12,000 tons of these fruits from Chile. This partnership underscores the significant contribution of the airline in facilitating Chilean exports to China, highlighting the growing importance of this relationship.
Key Points:
- China’s share in Chile’s forestry and livestock shipments has increased from 13% in 2013 to 30% in 2023, showcasing the expanding trade between the two nations.
- In 2023, Chile exported forestry and agricultural products worth US$ 5.444 billion to China, with cherries leading the way at US$ 2,221 million.
- China Eastern Airlines initiated a charter service for the 2024-2025 cherry season, transporting 76 tons of Chilean cherries on a flight from Santiago to Shanghai, with a stopover in Los Angeles.
- With the first shipment of cherries arriving in China by sea, projections indicate a nearly 60% growth in Chilean cherry exports compared to the previous season, with China remaining the primary destination.
Evolution of the Air Silk Road:
- China Eastern Airlines has been instrumental in establishing the “Air Silk Road” over the past decade, facilitating the transportation of fresh produce from Chile and other South American countries to China.
- Initially focusing on cherries and blueberries, the airline has expanded its service to include plums, grapes, nectarines, pork products, salmon, and more, worth over US$ 1 billion.
- The company’s commitment to enhancing logistics extends to launching routes for transporting salmon between Santiago and Chengdu, as well as establishing a scheduled cargo route between Miami, USA, and Ezhou, China.
Solidifying Trade Relations:
- Through collaboration with partners like LATAM Airlines, China Eastern Airlines ensures the swift and secure delivery of high-quality Chilean agricultural products to Chinese consumers.
- With the majority of Chilean cherries being sold to China, the airline handles a significant portion of these exports, particularly through its Shanghai headquarters and the Santiago-Chengdu/Ezhou route.
- For the 2024-2025 season, China Eastern Airlines plans to import 12,000 tons of Chilean cherries, with 5,500 tons transported by air and the remaining 6,500 tons by sea.
Looking Ahead:
As the 2024 edition of Chile Week unfolds, spanning various cities in China, the focus remains on strengthening trade and economic ties between Chile and China. Through business meetings, seminars, visits, and other activities, both countries aim to deepen their partnership and continue fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
In conclusion, the collaboration between China Eastern Airlines and Chilean exporters exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth and fostering global trade. As we look towards the future, this synergy serves as a testament to the potential for further expansion and cooperation between these two nations.
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