Edible brassicas market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese market for fresh edible brassicas saw consistent volume growth from 2018 to 2020, with production rising from 44.9 thousand tons to 46.1 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by the national rural revitalization strategy and stricter pesticide regulations, which improved agricultural quality and efficiency. Concurrently, the rollout of cold chain logistics standards and the rapid rise of fresh produce e-commerce widened distribution channels and reduced waste, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted demand for home-delivered vegetables.

Market volume stabilized around 45 thousand tons from 2021 onwards, but its monetary value experienced sharp swings. The introduction of national standards for frozen vegetables in 2021 and growing consumer interest in freeze-dried vegetables from 2022 onward signaled a shift in demand toward processed segments. While the modernization of vegetable facilities and seed industry development in 2023 supported yields, tighter food safety regulations—including the revised Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law—and changing consumption patterns contributed to a 19% drop in market value in 2023 compared to the 2021 peak.

Throughout the period, continued regulatory updates, such as the 2022 amendments to seed and pesticide management rules, and industry standards for fermented and plant-based foods, shaped a more organized and quality-focused market. The ongoing evolution of fresh food e-commerce, with platforms moving into prepared dishes, also influenced market dynamics.

Production edible brassicas in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, China was the leading producer of edible brassicas from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

China's production of edible brassicas grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 46,108 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of edible brassicas production in China increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 31,313 million US dollars, up 7.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 20.3%, averaging a 6.4% annual increase.

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

Exports edible brassicas from China

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, China's exports of edible brassicas declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1,020 thousand tonnes, a gradual decrease of 5.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 1,076 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for China's edible brassicas exports in volume were Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, collectively accounting for 65.8% 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, M $ US

China's edible brassicas exports in value terms rose for the third straight year. In 2020, exports were valued at 692.5 million US dollars, nearly unchanged from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 30.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Hong Kong (32.4% of export value), Vietnam (23.4%), and Malaysia (19.2%) were the key destinations for China's edible brassicas exports in monetary terms, together making up 75.0% 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 edible brassicas to China

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.0 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, a sevenfold difference. In 2020, imports rose by 34.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 63.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 422.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for China's edible brassicas imports in volume was extremely narrow, with Asia, not elsewhere specified, alone responsible for 94.3% 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, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports hit a low in 2018 at 0.0 million US dollars and a high in 2020 at 0.0 million US dollars, showing a 2.3-fold variation. In 2020, imports surged by 104.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 43.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the country structure of China's edible brassicas imports in value was dominated by Asia, not elsewhere specified, and the United States, which together accounted for 99.2% of total flows; other markets contributed minimally.

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

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