Apples, pears and quinces market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh apples, pears, and quinces in China grew consistently from 53 885 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 60 484 thousand metric tons in 2020. This expansion was primarily driven by increased pear cultivation areas and improved agricultural techniques, which boosted domestic output. During this period, the introduction of new apple varieties aimed at enhancing quality helped sustain production, even as apple planting areas began a gradual decline due to a national policy restricting the use of basic farmland for non-grain crops.

Market growth continued through 2021, with volume reaching 63 464 thousand metric tons, supported by the launch of an apple futures market that introduced new price discovery mechanisms. In 2022, abnormal weather conditions and reduced planting areas, particularly in major producing regions, led to a slowdown in production growth for both apples and pears, contributing to a slight dip in market value. The following year, despite reports of lower apple quality and soft consumer demand, total market volume rose to 68 397 thousand metric tons, fueled by a rebound in pear output and a significant 20% increase in imports, with South Africa emerging as a key supplier as its pear exports to China surged.

Production apples, pears and quinces in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

China was one of the world's top producers of apples, pears, and quinces from 2017 to 2020, consistently ranking first in production volume.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

China's production of apples, pears, and quinces grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 61 996 K t, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 55 422 K t, which saw the largest decline of 4.3%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest growth at 8.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of China's apples, pears, and quinces production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 82 168 M $ US, up 8.8% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 31.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from China

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, China's exports of apples, pears, and quinces rebounded. In 2020, export volume hit 1 598 K t, a 10.8% increase over the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 13.5%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 1 441 K t, and the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 at 12.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China exported apples, pears, and quinces to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh—combined accounted for only 41.6% of total export volume, highlighting a diverse export market.

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

After two years of decrease, China's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms rose. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 117 M $ US, a 16.4% gain from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 6.1%, averaging 2.0% annual growth. The lowest value was in 2019 at 1 819 M $ US, with the largest decline in 2018 at 8.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Vietnam (18.4% of export value), Indonesia (15.3%), and Thailand (12.0%) were among the largest buyers of China's apples, pears, and quinces. Yet, together they represented just 45.6% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to China

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. Levels fluctuated 1.9-fold, with the low in 2018 at 72 K t and the high in 2019 at 138 K t. In 2020, imports to China were 86 K t, a 37.6% drop from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2019 at 91.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (39.1% of import volume), Chile (22.3%), and the United States (19.8%) together made up 81.1% of China's total imports of apples, pears, and quinces, serving as the primary sources.

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

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Import values fluctuated 1.9-fold, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019 at 240 M $ US. In 2020, China imported apples, pears, and quinces worth 240 M $ US, a 34.9% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2019 at 84.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, New Zealand (49.2% of import value), the United States (18.1%), and Chile (17.1%) formed the core of China's imports, together accounting for 84.4% 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