Apple market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh apple market volume in Asia expanded from 52.9 million metric tons in 2018 to 58.9 million metric tons in 2020. This growth was initially driven by the industry's acceleration into digital management and mechanization, which improved production efficiency. The emergence of livestreaming e-commerce and cross-border trade platforms during this period helped apples reach global consumers faster, while the launch of apple futures contracts in 2018 enhanced market transparency and price discovery, encouraging production investment.

Market volume continued its upward trend, reaching 65.9 million metric tons in 2023. Ongoing variety optimization and market diversification, supported by rural revitalization policies, sustained production growth. A key development was the establishment of a large high-quality apple production base in Yunnan in 2023, which facilitated entry into premium domestic segments and boosted exports to markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Throughout 2021 to 2023, the deepening of digital transformation and the persistent role of e-commerce models improved sales channels and market access.

Production apple in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

Apple production in Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 59 495 K t of apples, representing a controlled growth of 5.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 53 202 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 2.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, apple production in Asia has rebounded. In 2020, the output of apples in Asia was valued at 53 666 M $ US, reflecting a modest gain of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 50 524 M $ US, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 8.7%.

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

Exports apple from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia's volume of apple exports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia exported 2 500 K t of apples, marking a rise of 4.9% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Egypt, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, were the key partners for apple exports in kind. Russia accounted for 11.3% of exports, Egypt for 1.9%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 1.1%. Together, these three partners represented 14.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Asia's apple export volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Asia exported apples worth 2 255 M $ US, indicating a gain of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 988 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Asia, not elsewhere specified, and Egypt were the largest buyers of apples from Asia in value terms. Russia accounted for 7.8% of exports, Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 4.1%, and Egypt for 1.5%. Collectively, these three buyers formed 13.3% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports apple to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the volume of apple imports into Asia amounted to 1 860 K t, marking a robust drop of 22.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.9%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 1 747 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 24.3%. In contrast, 2019 reached the highest level at 2 401 K t, with the largest increase of 37.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the portfolio of suppliers for apple imports into Asia was broad. The United States contributed 7.9% of imports in kind, New Zealand 6.3%, and South Africa 5.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 19.6% of total imports in kind, while many other countries held smaller but non-negligible shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Apple imports into Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Asia imported apples worth 2 730 M $ US, showing no material difference from the year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 300 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 0.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 18.1%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, imports of apples into Asia in value terms were spread relatively evenly. New Zealand and the United States each accounted for 10.9% of imports, while South Africa contributed 5.4%. Jointly, these three countries represented only 27.2% of total import flows.

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

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