Dried grapes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The dried grape market in China experienced significant shifts between 2018 and 2023. The market volume began at a high of 57,951 tons in 2018, supported by robust domestic production in Xinjiang and a realignment of import sources after the US-China trade war reduced American market share in favor of suppliers like Uzbekistan. However, market volume contracted sharply to 42,082 tons in 2019 as export volumes surged, diverting supply away from the domestic market. This downward trend accelerated in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused nationwide lockdowns, severe logistics disruptions, and reduced demand from the food service sector, pulling the market volume down further to 36,774 tons.

A post-pandemic rebound saw the market volume recover to 51,745 tons in 2021, driven by a seasonal surge in imports as food processors stocked up ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays. Growth continued into 2022, with the market reaching 52,837 tons. This occurred despite a nearly 30% drop in imports, as more food manufacturers substituted imported dried grapes with cheaper local raw materials, a shift supported by stable domestic production.

The market volume collapsed to 20,184 tons in 2023, primarily due to a strong resurgence in export volumes, which nearly doubled compared to the previous year. This export rebound coincided with a slower-than-expected economic recovery that further dampened import demand. During this period, increased competition from domestic brands, which expanded through innovation and multi-channel sales, also reshaped the market landscape.

Production dried grapes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the 7th position globally in dried grape production.

Top producers of dried grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried grapes, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 45 894 tonnes of dried grapes, marking a significant 10.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 41 600 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, dried grape production in China rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 79 828 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 3.9% increase from the prior year. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production value decreased by 12.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 76 814 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 9.3%.

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

Exports dried grapes from China

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China's dried grape export volume was 31 388 tonnes, down 21.9% from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 40 185 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 72.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China exported dried grapes to a wide range of markets. Germany accounted for 16.6% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 12.3%, and Japan for 10.0%, together making up 38.8% of total exports. The remaining 61.2% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

After two years of growth, China's dried grape exports declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 54 596 thousand US dollars, a 26.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 85.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 74 200 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 62.2%.

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

The export structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Japan held 19.8% of exports by value, Germany 12.8%, and the Netherlands 9.6%, together accounting for 42.1% of total flows. No single country dominated the market.

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

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

Imports dried grapes to China

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year rise, China's dried grape imports fell. In 2020, imports reached 22 268 tonnes, a 45.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 32.8%, with an average annual decrease of 12.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 40 666 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan and the United States remained the top sources for imports by volume, together accounting for 81.0% of total flows, with other partners playing a minor role.

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

After two years of growth, foreign dried grape supplies to China declined. In 2020, imports totalled 33 477 thousand US dollars, down 43.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.2%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 58 804 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 21.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan accounted for 38.3% of imports by value, the United States for 27.9%, and Chile for 14.0%, forming the main cluster of markets with a combined share of 80.3% of total flows.

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

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