Convenient logistics brings more intimate China-Chile ties

People visit the 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo in Tianjin, north China, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Chilean cherries are ubiquitous in most supermarkets in north China's port city of Tianjin.

The transcontinental "Cherry Express" linking Tianjin and Chile was launched in January 2024.

Upon arrival at Tianjin Port, it took just five hours for Chilean cherries to be delivered to major markets in Tianjin and neighboring Beijing and Hebei Province.

According to the Tianjin Port Group, in 2024 alone, the route completed over 40 voyages. In January this year, approximately 30,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived in Tianjin via this route.

This logistics channel has been essential in ensuring Chile's products arrive fresh and in optimal condition to northern Chinese markets.

Cherries are delicate and sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. To maintain their quality, refrigeration should run continuously during transportation.

Tianjin Dongjiang Customs coordinated closely with the shipping line in advance. They obtained the vessel schedule and container details, developed a detailed unloading plan, and held meetings with importers, agents, terminals, and inspection sites.

From late November to late February every year, abundant Chilean cherries can be seen at Tianjin's largest agricultural market.

"After Tianjin Port clearance, fresh Chilean cherries reach our market in about 2 hours. Over 30 merchants here sell them, with a daily sales volume of 200 to 300 tonnes, greatly enriching fruit supply for customers in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region," said a staff member of the Haijixing agricultural market.

In addition to cherries, other Chilean products -- such as blueberries, frozen seafood, premium fish, dried fruits and fine wines -- are entering through Tianjin Port. From the port, they are distributed to markets such as Xinfadi in Beijing and Gaobeidian in Hebei, where the presence of Chilean products is steadily increasing.

"We are eager to further strengthen this gateway. Tianjin can be a central hub in Chile's strategy for positioning in China -- not only for fresh products and food, but also for intermediate goods and services. We are working to improve our connectivity with inland cities, where demand is growing for high-quality, safe, and traceable products such as those from Chile," said Pablo Arriarán Ahumada, ambassador of Chile to China at the 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo (TISIE).

This year marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Chile.

Since the signing of the free trade agreement between two countries, the first that China signed with a Latin American country, trade between China and Chile has grown fast, driven by trade in key sectors such as mining, food, services, and clean energy.

China COSCO Shipping Corp., Ltd. has launched a direct weekly service connecting major Chinese ports like Shanghai and Ningbo to Chile's Port of San Antonio.

"We transport Chinese goods -- including automobiles, electromechanical products, and apparel to Chile, and bring back fresh Chilean produce like fruit and beef on return voyages," said a COSCO representative at the TISIE.

"The direct route significantly facilitates trade between China and Chile, with the diversity of shipped goods continually expanding," he said.

"China's shipping and logistics industry provides stability to world trade. It makes it easier and more efficient to do trade," Arriarán said.

Chinese investment in Chile has also grown steadily. Chinese companies have invested in strategic sectors such as port infrastructure, electric transmission lines, lithium and copper mining, and the development of solar and wind energy.

Moreover, China has implemented a trial policy that unilaterally grants visa-free entry to citizens of five Latin American countries including Chile since June 1.

"We do think that there will be lots of Chilean visitors coming to China, on business, tourism, and leisure exploration. It's going to be easier also for business people. It's a very positive initiative," Arriarán said.

"The distance between Chile and China is great in geographical terms, but small in strategic and human terms. We are committed to continuing to build bridges, open routes, and jointly develop a future-focused agenda," Arriarán said.