First Yan’an Apples Reach Uzbekistan in Central Asian Trade Push
Two batches of fresh apples weighing 39.7 tonnes have been exported from Yan’an to Uzbekistan through the Khorgos border crossing in the Xinjiang region, Xinhua reports.
This marks the first time the northwestern Chinese city has shipped its signature agricultural product to the Central Asian nation. The General Administration of Customs reported the milestone as a key development in expanding the area’s trade footprint under the Belt and Road initiative.
Situated on the Loess Plateau, Yan’an is a major apple-growing hub. While domestic sales remain stable, producers are increasingly looking abroad and currently export to 26 countries including Canada, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
Shaanxi Wangzhanggui Agricultural Development Company facilitated the inaugural Uzbekistan order. Unfamiliar with Central Asian market regulations, the company sought assistance from Yan’an Customs. Officials provided targeted support to ensure compliance with Uzbekistan’s quarantine standards and to improve quality control traceability.
To boost agricultural trade, customs officials have introduced measures to standardise cultivation and upgrade packaging facilities. The agency also implemented smart inspection systems and green corridors to expedite clearance times for global food shipments.
These logistical improvements have driven significant export growth. In the first half of 2026, Yan’an Customs cleared 3,196.8 tonnes of fresh apples, an 89.6% increase compared with the same period last year.
