Asparagus market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese asparagus market saw steady growth in production volume from 7.4 million tons in 2018 to 7.7 million tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by the industry's strategic shift toward domestic sales, coupled with the adoption of modern cultivation techniques such as greenhouse farming and the 'mother stem retention' harvest method, which significantly increased yields. New players entering the market and heightened investment in farming and processing further boosted production capacity.

Government policy support for organic agriculture, notably from 2020, spurred the growth of organic asparagus cultivation, with output rising by about 8% annually. Rising consumer preference for healthy and safe food fueled demand for organic and high-quality asparagus, which was met through improved supply chain integration, enhanced cold logistics, and the rapid rise of e-commerce and new retail sales channels.

After a brief stabilization in 2021, production growth resumed as the food service sector recovered from the pandemic. Although abnormal weather in 2022 caused localized reductions in green asparagus output, overall market volume was maintained by geographic expansion into regions like Jiangsu, Henan, and Xinjiang, where scientific management and technical training programs helped improve both quality and yield.

Production asparagus in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of asparagus by volume.

Top producers of asparagus, 2017-2020

World map of production of asparagus, 2017-2020

China's asparagus production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 7 646 K t of asparagus, marking a slight year-on-year increase of 1.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

Exports asparagus from China

Exports in kind, t

China's asparagus exports increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 358.3 t, up 13.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 52.8%, translating to an annualized rate of 15.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 209.1 t, which saw the largest decline of 10.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 51.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Macao, and Vietnam were the top contributors to China's asparagus exports by volume. Malaysia accounted for 22.0% of exports, Macao for 20.9%, and Vietnam for 18.9%, together making up 61.8% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export volumes in value terms reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.4 times. In 2020, China's asparagus export value was 593.0 K $ US, a 30.7% increase from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 247.1 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 38.6%. Conversely, 2019 had the largest increase of 83.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan were the primary destinations for China's asparagus exports by value. Vietnam accounted for 21.6% of exports, Malaysia for 21.5%, and Japan for 16.7%, collectively absorbing 59.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports asparagus to China

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import volumes peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 10-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China's asparagus imports stood at 10.5 t, a sharp decline of 90.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 104.9 t, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 677.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia dominated China's asparagus imports by volume, holding a 90.9% share 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, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.5-fold gap. In 2020, China's asparagus import value was 65.9 K $ US, a dramatic drop of 86.7% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 496.0 K $ US, and 2018 experienced the largest increase of 575.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the dominant supplier of asparagus to China in value terms, accounting for 87.9% of total imports, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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