Apple juice market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Chinese apple juice market expanded from 427 million liters to 694 million liters. The significant jump in 2019, when market volume increased by over 60%, was driven by higher domestic production as juice enterprises ramped up output amid stable raw material supply and steady demand. This occurred despite the U.S. raising tariffs on Chinese concentrated apple juice from 10% to 25%, which affected export competitiveness but did not halt the domestic market's expansion. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a short-term adjustment in demand, yet strong international demand for concentrated juice supported exports, leading to market stabilization.

From 2021 to 2023, the market continued its upward trajectory, reaching 1 002 million liters by 2023. Post-pandemic recovery was fueled by leading manufacturers like Nongfu Spring, which promoted premium 17.5° apple juice through integrated supply chains. A structural shift toward higher-value segments emerged in 2022 with the launch of 100% HPP red-fleshed apple juice by Hema and Ruguo. This new product, though seasonal, sparked considerable consumer interest and was aided by improved cold-chain logistics. Changing consumer preferences toward healthier, natural juices, coupled with the entry of new brands and retailers such as Dongfang Zhenxuan and Sam's, further accelerated market growth in 2023.

By 2024, the industry saw strengthened regulatory frameworks with updated food safety standards and labeling requirements, enhancing product quality. Major producers like Andre and Guotou Zhonglu expanded their production capacities, while export markets diversified, reducing dependency on traditional destinations. Continuous optimization of supply chains and cold logistics remained key competitive factors, supporting the market's overall development.

Production apple juice in China

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in apple juice production.

Top producers of apple juice, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple juice, 2017-2020

Apple juice production in China rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, China produced 1 106.7 million liters of apple juice, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.2%, averaging 2.0% per year. The lowest output was in 2018 at 979.2 million liters, which saw the largest decline of 6.0%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest growth at 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's apple juice production value fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 138 million US dollars, down 3.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 1 177 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apple juice from China

Exports in kind, M l

After a two-year downturn, China's apple juice exports rebounded. In 2020, China exported 420.8 million liters of apple juice, up 9.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 35.8%, averaging a 13.7% annual decline. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 386.0 million liters, which experienced the sharpest fall of 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (42.0% of exports in volume), Russia (9.3%), and Japan (9.3%) were the leading markets for China's apple juice exports, collectively accounting for 60.5% of total shipments.

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

Following two years of decline, China's apple juice export value increased. In 2020, exports totaled 432.6 million US dollars, a modest 1.6% rise year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 33.3%, with an average annual drop of 12.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 425.7 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 31.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (41.3% of exports in value), Japan (10.2%), and Russia (8.6%) remained the primary markets for China's apple juice exports, together making up 60.0% 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 apple juice to China

Imports in kind, M l

China imported 7.9 million liters of apple juice in 2020, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 3.1%, averaging 1.0% per year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 6.4 million liters, which had the largest decline of 16.1%. In 2019, imports peaked at 8.2 million liters, with the highest growth of 27.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Cyprus (43.9% of imports in volume), Greece (9.3%), and Poland (8.5%) were the main sources for apple juice imports to China, jointly representing 61.6% of total imports.

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

In 2020, China's apple juice import value reached 5.9 million US dollars, showing a significant 17.9% drop year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value fell by 8.3%, with an average annual decrease of 2.8%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 5.4 million US dollars, while 2019 saw the peak at 7.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 33.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, apple juice imports to China came from various markets, with even the top sources—Cyprus, Poland, and Greece—together comprising only 43.3% of total import value.

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

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