Apple market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, China's fresh apple market volume expanded steadily, supported by a stable cultivation area exceeding 2.9 million hectares and high yields that pushed production close to 50 million tons. The industry's agricultural output value surpassed CNY 200 billion for the first time in 2018, reinforcing the production base for market growth.

Market growth continued through 2021 to 2023, sustained by consistently high production levels and ongoing industry optimization. By 2022, late-maturing varieties represented over 80% of output, and the industry layout was improved, promoting upgrades as digital and smart agriculture began to set new development directions.

The expansion accelerated in 2023, fueled by digitalization and intelligentization which empowered industry upgrading. The widespread adoption of e-commerce platforms and live-streaming sales drove brand development and high-quality growth, further increasing market volume.

Production apple in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the world's largest producer of apples.

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

Apple production in China grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, China produced 44 066 thousand tonnes of apples, marking a moderate increase of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 6.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 39 233 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 5.2%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase at 8.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's apple production value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 60 372 million US dollars, reflecting a strong rise of 10.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 33.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.1%.

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

Exports apple from China

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, China's apple export volume rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 1 058 thousand tonnes, up 9.0% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 20.3%, averaging an annual decrease of 7.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 971 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's apple export market was diverse, with no single dominant partner. Bangladesh accounted for 15.0% of exports by volume, the Philippines for 11.6%, and Indonesia for 11.2%, together making up 37.8% of total flows. The remaining 62.2% was distributed among many other countries.

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 a two-year downturn, China's apple export value increased. In 2020, exports stood at 1 450 million US dollars, rising 16.3% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 246 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2018 at 10.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China's apple export market in value terms was fragmented. Vietnam held 15.6% of exports, Thailand 12.2%, and the Philippines 11.7%, together comprising 39.6% of total export value. The rest was spread across numerous smaller partners, each with modest shares.

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 to China

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 65 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 125 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.9-fold difference. In 2020, China's apple imports dropped sharply to 76 thousand tonnes, a steep year-on-year decline of 39.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 94.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets dominated China's apple imports by volume: New Zealand, Chile, and the United States, together accounting for 88.0% of total flows.

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 import market exhibited volatility over the period. The lowest value was in 2017, with the highest in 2019 at 219 million US dollars, showing a 1.9-fold gap. In 2020, China imported 139 million US dollars worth of apples, indicating a sudden contraction of 36.8% from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2019 at 86.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, New Zealand, the United States, and Chile were the top sources for China's apple imports by value. New Zealand accounted for 53.8%, the United States for 19.4%, and Chile for 17.9%, together making up 91.1% of total import flows.

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

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