Chongqing - Sichuan peppercorn, a special ingredient at the core of food culture in Southwest China's Chongqing, recently showed up at the opening of China's biggest trading market for green Sichuan peppercorns, the Jiangjin Peppercorn Comprehensive Trading Market.

Ten peppercorn export bases built under EU standards

Jiangjin peppercorn, an integral part of Chongqing's agriculture, holds significant prominence within China's Sichuan peppercorn market. 

The opening of the Jiangjin Peppercorn Comprehensive Trading Market marked the peak harvest period for the 530,000 acres of peppercorn fields in Jiangjin District, with an estimated production of 285,000 tons of fresh peppercorns this year.  

Renowned for its early ripening, vibrant hue, intense fragrance, and pure numbing flavor, Jiangjin peppercorn commands a competitive edge in the market. It it popular domestically and finds extensive demand in overseas markets, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Last year, the export earnings of Jiangjin peppercorn reached one million dollars, a year-on-year increase of 56%. As of this year, its exports have already reached 800,000 dollars, showing a promising 50% year-on-year growth. 

To further boost the export volumes of Jiangjin peppercorn, Jiangjin District has invested in developing 10 peppercorn export bases, adhering to European Union standards. 

This strategic move signifies that Jiangjin Peppercorn, having already penetrated markets in Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and North America, is targeting to meet the requirements for entering the European Union market. 

The 2023 Tariff Adjustment Plan incorporated Sichuan peppercorn into the import and export tariff schedule, giving Sichuan pepper an exclusive tariff number, like obtaining its self-ID, facilitating export declarations and market analysis for businesses.

Local agricultural products grow global competitiveness

Beyond Jiangjin peppercorn, Other local distinctive agricultural products have embarked on proactive endeavors to explore overseas markets, yielding significant achievements. 

During the first quarter of 2023, the export value of Chongqing's agricultural products reached 240 million yuan (about USD 33.82 million), showing an upward trajectory.

Blood oranges from Qingliu Town in Rongchang District have gone to international markets since 2019, reaching Indonesia, Maldives, Russia, Singapore, and Thailand. By 2027, it is expected that annual blood orange exports from Qingliu Town to exceed 1,000 tons.

Likewise, Fengjie navel oranges are accelerating their export pace. On March 22, 10 tons of Fengjie navel oranges were first time to take a flight to RCEP member countries, including Singapore, while on April 25, another 50 tons of Fengjie navel oranges were directly shipped to Vietnam by Chongqing Cross-Border Highway Regular Lorry.

According to Ou Jinhua, a researcher at the Research Center for Urbanization and Regional Innovation Pole Development of Chongqing University, the successful export of these agricultural products signifies their growing competitiveness in the international market.

Ou continued that Chongqing aims to enhance its investment in cold chain transportation equipment, elevating equipment quality and quantity. Attention will be given to solutions that address origin cold storage and destination distribution, reducing losses during the perishable goods supply chain.

As a key node in the transportation and logistics network connecting Europe and Asia, Chongqing will expand the import and export of agricultural products via the China Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC).

This involves extending the agricultural industry value chain, fostering a thriving agricultural product trade market, and cultivating more renowned brands of distinctive farm products.