Early in 2020, the outbreak of Covid-19 emerged as a public health emergency that created a major influence on the global economy and the outlook for consumption power. The outbreak prompted governments around the world to trigger several measures to limit the spread, including travel and border restrictions, quarantines, and restrictions on large gatherings. In turn, these resulted in lower consumer activities and diminished the demand for a wide range of products and services.
Early in 2020, the outbreak of Covid-19 emerged as a public health emergency that created a major influence on the global economy and the outlook for consumption power. The outbreak prompted governments around the world to trigger several measures to limit the spread, including travel and border restrictions, quarantines, and restrictions on large gatherings. In turn, these resulted in lower consumer activities and diminished the demand for a wide range of products and services.
The 2020 NWC season could be categorized as a “glass half full” for the overseas markets. The industry found itself faced with numerous challenges such as closed borders, city lockdowns, lack of air transportation, a strong US dollar, limitation on retail promotion activities, import tariffs, and a cherry crop volume reduction. Export volume decreased by 31% compared to 2019. The export to domestic sales ratio fell below the 30:70 benchmark to 28:72, respectively. Volume to Canada declined by 24%, China tumbled 42%, South Korea fell 26%, Taiwan slumped 31%, Mexico plunged 49%, last season’s hottest market Vietnam dropped 11%, and the U.K. continued to disappoint. Nonetheless, demand from around the world was strong resulting in historical high average FOB plant prices throughout the season.
Northwest Cherry Growers
Yakima, WA, U.S.A.
nwcherries.com