China Opens Market to Fresh Kyrgyz Berry Exports

China has approved imports of fresh raspberries, blackcurrants, and blackberries from Kyrgyzstan, the latest step in a series of agreements opening the Chinese market to Kyrgyz agricultural products. China’s General Administration of Customs announced the decision on October 20. It follows a plant health agreement signed by the two countries on August 31, according to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. The decision could give Kyrgyz berry growers an alternative to their traditional markets in Russia and Kazakhstan. From January through May 2026, Kyrgyzstan exported approximately 5,358 metric tons of berries, almost entirely strawberries. Russia received around 3,076 tons of strawberries and Kazakhstan 2,264 tons. However, the new agreement does not cover fresh strawberries, despite their dominance of Kyrgyzstan’s berry exports. A list of fresh fruits authorized for import into China, updated on October 6 before the latest approval, included Kyrgyz cherries, melons, grapes, peaches, and apricots, but neither strawberries nor apples. Kyrgyzstan exported more than 8,300 tons of apples in the first five months of 2026, making them its largest fruit export during that period. Producers of the newly approved berries must meet China’s plant health standards and have their farms and packing facilities registered with Chinese customs. Kyrgyz authorities must inspect a sample representing 2% of each shipment, although the sampling rate can fall to 1% after two years without plant health problems. The agriculture ministry has invited interested producers to apply for registration. Exports from Kyrgyzstan’s agriculture, food, and processing industries were worth approximately $378 million in 2025, including $80.7 million in crop products. Earlier agreements with China covered beans, poultry meat, wool, and cashmere. In July 2025, Kyrgyzstan began exporting dried apricots to China with a shipment of 23 metric tons. In March 2026, Chinese customs confirmed that Kyrgyz companies could export certain frozen fruits and berries, including raspberries and strawberries, after registering through the China Import Food Enterprises Registration system. Unlike fresh fruit, these frozen products do not require a separate quarantine permit.