Dried prunes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese dried prune market showed steady expansion from 2018 to 2021, with market volume growing from 27 709 t to 30 660 t. This increase was primarily supported by rising imports, which grew from 6 304 t to 10 420 t over these years, while domestic production remained relatively stable.

A pronounced surge in market volume occurred from 2022, reaching 43 368 t, and further to 59 832 t in 2023. This growth was directly fueled by a sharp rise in imports, which jumped to 23 031 t in 2022 and 38 991 t in 2023. Strong domestic demand for plums, driven by the development of value-added and deep-processed products like dried prunes, provided a key impetus. The expansion of e-commerce platforms and improvements in cold-chain logistics broadened sales channels and market access, while the promotion of organic farming and green pest control technologies enhanced product quality and brand competitiveness.

In 2024, import volumes remained elevated at 34 902 t, indicating sustained strong market demand. This continued activity aligns with broader industry trends, including government support for rural specialty industries and policies promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Production dried prunes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

China was one of the world's top producers of dried prunes from 2017 to 2020, ranking fifth globally by production volume.

Top producers of dried prunes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried prunes, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 21 258 tonnes of dried prunes, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 20 905 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 with 21 949 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 4.8%, and the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 2.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's dried prunes production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 56.2 million US dollars, a decrease of 17.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 47.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.3%.

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

Exports dried prunes from China

Exports in kind, t

China's dried prunes exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 661 tonnes, an 85.4% gain from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 294.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 58.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Hong Kong, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were the principal destinations for China's dried prunes exports in kind. Japan accounted for 52.1% of exports, Hong Kong for 22.5%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 13.3%, together making up 87.9% of total 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

China's dried prunes exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 4 392 thousand US dollars, up by 50.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 109.5%, with an annualized rate of 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Hong Kong, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) led the structure of China's dried prunes exports in value terms. Japan represented 57.3% of exports, Hong Kong 20.8%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) 15.5%, collectively accounting for 93.6% of total flows.

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 prunes to China

Imports in kind, t

China's dried prunes import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, China imported 11 476 tonnes of dried prunes, a 26.4% uptick compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports rose by 163.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Chile and the United States were the key partner countries for China's dried prunes imports in kind, together accounting for 80.0% of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

China's volume of dried prunes imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, China imported a total of 4 392 thousand US dollars worth of dried prunes, corresponding to a solid increase of 23.6% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 144.3%, with an annualized rate of 34.7%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Chile and the United States together captured 81.5% of China's total dried prunes imports in value terms, with the rest of the flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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