It is reported on January 4 that the unpredictability of China's latest economic data and the uncertainties brought about by the Sino-US trade war have aroused some concerns about China's economy. Chile, which relies heavily on China, is naturally concerned. However, exporters from different sectors of the Chilean food industry all believe that China's market potential is still there and that exports to China will not cool down.
In the food sector, China became Chile's largest wine export destination in 2015, and has remained so far. According to data from the Policy Research Unit (Odepa) of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile, the current export situation is less than the outbreaks of previous years. But the president of the Chilean Wine Association thinks the outlook is optimistic. He says the trade war has brought some unknowns, which have led to a slight decline in export growth, coupled with strong competition from Australia. In addition, due to the large export base in previous years, the decline in growth data in recent two years is understandable. He believes that China's market potential is huge and its per capita consumption of wine is still very low.
As for white meat, 36% of Chile's total pork exports were sold to China in 2017, making it the largest destination, while 13% of poultry exports went to China. According to the Chilean Association of Meat Exporters, pork exports to China last year accounted for 33% of the total, while poultry exports accounted for 11%, there was a decline. The chairman of the Association believes that purchasing in the Chinese market will grow in 2019, with pork and poultry exports increasing by 9% and 16% respectively.
As for salmon, the president of the Chilean Salmon Industry Association predicts that the export of salmon to China will not decrease in the current environment. Because of the large population of China, there are still cities where Chilean salmon are not sold. At present, the supply is less than the demand. The Association believes that exports to China will grow by 50% this year, amounting to $500 million.
On fresh fruits, the President of Chilean Fruit Exporters Association believes that exports to China will continue to grow. Chile and China have an anti-seasonal advantage, coupled with superior quality. At present, 81% of Chile's fresh fruits exporting to Asia go to China. He said that in addition to Cheli, blueberries, avocados and nectarines, we also look forward to Chile's pears and lemons and other fruits sent to China.
