Kiwifruit market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The physical volume of China's kiwifruit market grew from 2.22 million tons in 2018 to 2.32 million tons in 2019, driven by rapid industry expansion. Technological progress and improved farm management had nearly doubled yields per hectare over the preceding decade, while Beijing's targeted support for research centers and demonstration bases further stimulated production.

After a contraction to 2.24 million tons in 2020, market volume recovered to 2.27 million tons by 2021. This period saw the industry adopt modern breeding techniques like molecular marker-assisted selection and begin implementing smart agriculture technologies such as IoT and big data for precision crop management. The rollout of cold-chain logistics infrastructure in key regions helped reduce post-harvest losses and supported market supply.

From 2022 to 2023, the market stabilized around 2.25–2.27 million tons as the strategic focus shifted toward branding, standardization, and international development. New cultivars adapted to different climates were introduced, and preservation technologies like 1-MCP treatment gained widespread use to extend shelf life. By 2024, the industry was prioritizing intelligent monitoring, precision farming, and enhanced cold-chain networks to strengthen global competitiveness, with planting area reaching 292,000 hectares and international trade hitting record levels.

Production kiwifruit in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, kiwifruit production in China experienced a decline. In 2019, production reached its peak at 2 197 K t, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 2 138 K t, representing a 2.7% decrease compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's kiwifruit production value grew for the second consecutive year. In 2018, the value hit its lowest point at 3 182 M $ US, reflecting a 7.8% decline from 2017. The following year, 2019, saw a rebound with a 3.8% increase. By 2020, production value had risen to 3 339 M $ US, up 1.1% year-over-year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 3.3%, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1%.

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

Exports kiwifruit from China

Exports in kind, K t

Kiwifruit exports from China increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 12.7 K t, a sharp 43.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 195.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia consistently led as the top destinations for China's kiwifruit exports by volume. Russia accounted for 54.1% of exports, Malaysia for 7.9%, and Indonesia for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% 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, M $ US

China's kiwifruit export value continued to grow for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 19.8 M $ US, showing a sharp 48.9% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 180.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia were the primary buyers of Chinese kiwifruit by value. Russia held a 41.9% share of exports, Malaysia 12.6%, and Indonesia 11.4%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 65.9% 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 kiwifruit to China

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, kiwifruit imports into China declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 129.1 K t, a 13.9% increase from the previous year. By 2020, imports had dropped to 117.5 K t, down 9.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports overall increased by 4.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand dominated China's kiwifruit imports by volume, capturing 77.4% of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

Following two years of increase, kiwifruit imports into China by value saw a slight downturn. In 2018, imports recorded the largest increase at 12.9%. By 2019, the value reached its highest point at 454.6 M $ US. In 2020, imports were nearly unchanged at 452.9 M $ US compared to the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the dominant source for China's kiwifruit imports by value, accounting for 86.3% of total flows. Other countries played a more limited role in the import structure.

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

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