Alliaceous vegetables market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for alliaceous vegetables in China grew from 42.9 million t in 2018 to 44.2 million t in 2021. This expansion was underpinned by the country's strong garlic export ecosystem in Jinxiang County, which enhanced domestic supply chains. Concurrently, heightened consumer focus on health and nutrition, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, boosted demand for fresh and processed products, while the rapid growth of the prepared meal sector utilized these vegetables as key ingredients.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume eased to 43.5 million t by 2023. This moderation occurred alongside sustained growth in garlic exports, which reached 3.3 million t in 2023, directing more supply overseas. High inventory levels in previous years contributed to price volatility and a rebalancing of domestic supply and demand. During this period, retail channels continued to diversify with e-commerce gaining significant ground, intensifying competition among fresh food platforms and offline retailers.

The industry structure consolidated with leading players increasing their R&D and market expansion efforts. Reflecting ongoing diversification, new entrants such as tea beverage brands launched vegetable-based healthy product lines in 2024. Government policies promoting agricultural technology and high-yield crop varieties supported long-term production capacity, while enduring consumer preferences for local and niche vegetables influenced product development and packaging.

Production alliaceous vegetables in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of alliaceous vegetables.

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

China's production of alliaceous vegetables grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 46 654 K t, marking a 1.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from China

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, China's exports of alliaceous vegetables totaled 3 206 K t, a 14.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 19%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China's exports of alliaceous vegetables were distributed across multiple countries without a single dominant partner. Indonesia accounted for 19.5% of exports, Vietnam for 15.8%, and Japan for 11.5%, together making up 46.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, China exported 2 621 M $ US worth of alliaceous vegetables, a 0.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 4.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 976 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 28.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 33.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China's exports of alliaceous vegetables in value terms were spread across various partner countries. Vietnam represented 22.6% of exports, Indonesia 18.3%, and Japan 8.4%, together accounting for 49.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to China

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 at 6 K t and fell to their lowest point in 2020, resulting in a 53-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China imported a total of value_last_year K t of alliaceous vegetables, a dramatic 96.5% drop from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 35.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, India remained the primary source for China's imports of alliaceous vegetables, accounting for 85.8% of total flows, with the rest distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their highest value in 2018 at 1 M $ US and their lowest in 2020, showing a 31-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of alliaceous vegetables to China amounted to 0.0 M $ US, a steep 91.7% year-on-year decline. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India was the key source for alliaceous vegetables imported into China, representing 86.0% of total imports in value terms, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020