Comparative analysis of the cherry industry in Kyrgyzstan and Chile and market development strategies in China

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of cherry production and exports in Kyrgyzstan and Chile, assess their competitiveness in the global market, and identify key barriers and opportunities for expanding exports to China. The analysis was based on statistics on cherry production and exports, an estimate of logistics costs, customs procedures, and government support, as well as a calculation of the share of exports and the growth rate of supplies to the Chinese market. The results showed substantial differences between Kyrgyzstan and Chile in the development of the cherry industry. In 2024, cherry production in Chile reached 641 thousand tonnes, while in Kyrgyzstan, this figure is only 4.12 thousand tonnes, which reflects a substantial difference in the scale of production and the level of technological development. Chile provided 92.36% of Chinese cherry imports using efficient trade mechanisms, optimised logistics, and government incentives, while Kyrgyzstan’s exports remain unstable and limited. High logistics costs in Kyrgyzstan (USD 900 per tonne) compared to Chile (USD 500 per tonne) reduced the competitiveness of products. The lack of modern transport corridors, storage facilities, and proper refrigeration equipment substantially complicate stable exports to China, leading to high losses of products during transportation. The analysis also showed that strict sanitary requirements, certification, and phytosanitary control created additional barriers for Kyrgyz products to enter the international market, which requires strategic changes in public policy and attracting investment in the modernisation of the industry. The study demonstrated that the competitiveness of cherry exporters is determined by the level of logistics infrastructure, the efficiency of trade mechanisms, and compliance with international requirements, which indicates the need to optimise logistics, create refrigerated warehouses, and simplify customs clearance to increase exports from Kyrgyzstan