"The first exports have started and we are very grateful for how our Government has worked together with the Chinese authorities to ensure exports could go ahead on time," said John Moore, consultant for China Trade Market Access at  Summerfruit Australia. "We got our orchard postings listed for export to China in good time for the start of the season and for the growers to plan their export seasons."

"The season is a little bit advanced and the growers are looking forward to a good year. We are getting some nice warm weather now, its around 43 degrees in the growing regions. The country is dealing with a drought but there is ample water in the export areas and the growers are very efficient in it's use. Export has started and we are looking at having a good season following last years excellent volumes which were up 80%."

“We are excited about Australian exports to China, because the grower's hard work for the industry’s access to China is now well founded in our strategic planning and knowledge that the Chinese consumers were eagerly chasing top quality stonefruit, inclusive of nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots. White and yellow flesh nectarines and peaches are a fantastic option for stonefruit enthusiast’s and the array of quality plums available from Australia is something unique. Top “shelf” apricots are also a treat.“

2018/19 record breaking season
The 2018/19 result was record breaking. Not only were the volumes the highest ever, the average unit values were also the highest ever.

In the 2018/19 season the Australian summerfruit industry exported 23,013 tonnes of nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots worth AU$88.95 million, achieving a unit value of AU$3 3.87. This was a record result volume, value and unit value.

China was the lead market for nectarines, peaches and plums while Saudi Arabia was the lead market for apricots.

Nectarines accounted for 40 % of summerfruit exports by volume, while peaches were 28%, plums 30% and apricots 2% by volume - this was the same as last year.

Victoria was the largest export state followed by New South Wales. These states combined accounted for 91%of the exported volume. Western Australia dipped 41% to account for 3% of national exports.

Summerfruit exports have increased by an average 6% per year over ten years and increased 29% year on year to 2017/18 driven by Chinese demand.

Over 10 years summerfruit imports by key Asian markets from all sources have increased from 101 to 162 thousand tonnes. China is the largest importer of summefruit in Asia.