Yichang citrus fruit exports more than double
Since the beginning of the year, Yichang has exported 11,000 tons of citrus fruit, up 2.4 times on the figure for 2021.
Yichang is one of the main citrus producing areas in China, with seven companies from Yichang figuring on China’s list of major citrus exporters. In recent years, Yichang has grasped opportunities to expand into overseas markets.
There are two main logistics routes for citrus exports. China-Europe freight trains transport Yichang citrus to Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other places. The other route is “River-Sea Shipping”: citrus is shipped down the Yangtze to a Chinese seaport and from there to Southeast Asian countries, the United States and other overseas markets. After nearly two years of efforts, Southeast Asia is now the largest overseas market for Yichang citrus.
Another factor that has contributed to the significant growth of citrus exports is faster customs clearance procedures.
"Citrus has a short shelf life. It can’t stand long transport times. Fast customs clearance is key to ensuring that our citrus arrives fresh for the customer,” said Zhang Yanghong, general manager of Yichang Yanghong Agricultural Trade Co.
On November 28, the company exported 58 tons of Yichang citrus to Thailand. By using daily “River-Sea Shipping” cargo ships, the fruit can arrive at destination in about 20 days.
Workers pack Yichang citrus into refrigerated containers. Photo by Wang Song
