Fresh Tajikistani persimmons granted China market access

China has approved the import of fresh persimmons from Tajikistan, provided they meet specific phytosanitary requirements. Tajikistan, which began cultivating persimmons in the 1960s, now produces about 30,000 metric tons annually and exported over 2,000 metric tons in 2022. China has identified three quarantine pests of concern and mandates that exporting orchards implement traceability systems and good agricultural practices. Packing facilities must adhere to hygiene standards to prevent pest recontamination. Additionally, Tajikistan's Food Safety Committee is required to sample 2% of exports for pests in the first two years, with the rate reduced to 1% if no issues are detected.

On July 19, the General Administration of Customs of China announced via its website that fresh persimmons from Tajikistan meeting the stipulated phytosanitary requirements would be permissible for import into China. Persimmon cultivation in Tajikistan began in the early 1960s, with the first orchards established in the country’s central and southern regions before later spreading to other areas. Today, persimmons are a common fruit in Tajikistan, with popular varieties including Denau Sugar, Gosho Gaki, Kheakuma, Senju Mori and chocolate persimmons. Tajikistan produces approximately 30,000 metric tons of persimmons annually, with an average yield of 30–35 metric tons per hectare. In 2022, the country exported over 2,000 metric tons of fresh persimmons with an estimated value of $422,000. In addition to fresh persimmons, Tajikistan also exports dried persimmons. China has identified a total of three quarantine pests of concern in relation to fresh persimmons from Tajikistan, ...