Apples, pears and quinces market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears, and quinces in Eastern Asia demonstrated steady expansion from 2018 to 2023, with volume growing from 56.6 million metric tons to 70.9 million metric tons. In value terms, the market increased from 67.3 billion USD to 90.1 billion USD over the same six-year period.

The market growth in 2023 was driven by a 4.27% rise in China's apple production, which reached 49.6 million metric tons and reinforced the country's position as the global leader. Strong international demand further supported this expansion, as evidenced by a 29% surge in fresh apple exports and a 38% increase in pear shipments from China during the year.

In 2024, the Shenzhen administration introduced a mandatory fruit quality grading pilot for apples and pears, establishing 'A+, A, B' standards to improve product competitiveness and traceability. Export data for the first nine months of the year indicated sustained overseas sales momentum, with fresh apple exports already reaching 652.3 thousand metric tons.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Eastern Asia's production of apples, pears, and quinces has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 64 449 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 3.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 58 052 thousand tonnes, when output fell by 4.3%. This was followed by a significant rebound in 2019, with a 7.6% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of apples, pears, and quinces production in Eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 86 283 million US dollars, showing a measured advance of 7.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, exports of apples, pears, and quinces from Eastern Asia rebounded in 2020. Shipments totaled 1 758 thousand tonnes, up 5.3% from 2019. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.7%, averaging a 4.1% annual decline. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 669 thousand tonnes, following a sharp 11.3% drop in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Asia's exports of apples, pears, and quinces were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three destinations—Indonesia (17.1% of exports), Vietnam (12.1%), and Bangladesh (10.0%)—together accounted for 39.3% of total flows, indicating a diverse export market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of apples, pears, and quinces from Eastern Asia increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. Exports were valued at 2 354 million US dollars, a 9.8% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 2 098 million US dollars, when exports fell by 6.4%.

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

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Vietnam (16.9% of exports), Indonesia (13.5%), and Thailand (10.7%) together made up 41.1% of total flows, while the remaining 58.9% went to other partners, highlighting the region's diversified export structure.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia imported 338 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces in 2020, a notable decline of 19.5% from the previous year. Despite this drop, imports increased by 11% over the 2017-2020 period, averaging 3.5% annual growth. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 420 thousand tonnes, following a substantial 37.9% increase that year.

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

The analysis of import volumes from 2017 to 2020 shows a wide distribution across many suppliers. New Zealand (18.3% of imports), the United States (13.6%), and Chile (9.6%) together accounted for 41.5% of total flows, with the remaining 58.5% coming from other partners, reflecting a diverse import market.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, imports of apples, pears, and quinces into Eastern Asia declined in 2020. Import value fell to 454 million US dollars, a loss of 20.8% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 20%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The highest import value was in 2019 at 573 million US dollars, following a sharp 43.5% rise that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (29.9% of imports), the United States (15.5%), and Chile (10.2%) were the main sources for apples, pears, and quinces imports into Eastern Asia in value terms. Together, they represented 55.7% of total flows, forming a significant portion of the import market.

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

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