Kiwifruit market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The kiwifruit market in Eastern Asia, primarily China, experienced initial growth from 2018 to 2019, supported by a rapid expansion of cultivation area and a near doubling of yield per unit. This was driven by government policies that promoted the industry for rural revitalization and poverty alleviation, while advancements in breeding technology, including molecular marker-assisted selection, increased the diversity of available cultivars.

The market demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where enhanced cold chain logistics and wider application of preservation technologies helped maintain supply stability and fruit quality. Subsequent growth was fueled by continued area expansion in key provinces like Shaanxi and Sichuan, alongside industry efforts in brand protection, geographical indication certification, and rising demand for premium packaging and fresh-keeping agents, which bolstered retail value.

In the later period, the industry increasingly adopted smart management systems using IoT and big data for precision farming and quality control. Continuous strengthening of cold chain infrastructure aimed to reduce losses and expand international market access. Market dynamics were also shaped by growing consumer demand for high-quality and diverse kiwifruit varieties, while international trade remained significant with substantial imports, particularly from New Zealand.

Production kiwifruit in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's kiwifruit production saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 2 230 K t, marking the largest annual increase of 3.9%. However, in 2020, production fell slightly to 2 169 K t, representing a 2.8% year-over-year decline.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of kiwifruit production in Eastern Asia showed mixed trends. In 2018, it peaked at 3 838 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 10.3%. The following year, in 2019, it experienced the largest decline of 5.2%. By 2020, production value stood at 3 683 M $ US, showing a slight advance of 1.3% over the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports kiwifruit from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's kiwifruit export volumes fluctuated significantly. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 17.5 K t, with the largest annual decline of 30.0%. They rebounded sharply in 2019, reaching a peak of 25.4 K t, which was the largest annual increase of 45.4%. However, in 2020, exports dropped to 19.3 K t, down 23.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 22.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.1%.

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

An analysis of kiwifruit export volumes from Eastern Asia between 2017 and 2020 reveals a diverse market distribution. Russia accounted for 18.7% of exports, Malaysia for 2.8%, and Indonesia for 2.6%. Together, these three markets made up only 24.2% of total flows, while the remaining 75.8% was spread across numerous other partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of kiwifruit exports from Eastern Asia followed a similar pattern to volumes. In 2018, export value was at its minimum of 31 M $ US, with the largest annual decline of 23.0%. It then rose to a peak of 41 M $ US in 2019, marking the largest annual increase of 32.6%. In 2020, export value fell to 33 M $ US, down 20.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 18.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.7%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that kiwifruit export values from Eastern Asia were not heavily concentrated. Russia represented 14.4% of exports, Malaysia 4.6%, and Indonesia 3.9%. Combined, these three destinations accounted for just 22.9% of total flows, indicating a broad distribution across many markets.

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

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

Imports kiwifruit to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's kiwifruit import volumes rose for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, imports peaked at 299.8 K t, with the largest annual increase of 8.9%. In 2020, imports fell to 286.2 K t, down 4.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand remained the dominant supplier of kiwifruit to Eastern Asia, accounting for 81.0% of total import volumes. The remainder was distributed among many other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's kiwifruit import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 078 M $ US, reflecting a modest rise of 5.6% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 35.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the structure of kiwifruit import values in Eastern Asia was characterized by the dominance of New Zealand, which accounted for 88.7% of total flows. The rest was shared among a large number of minor partners.

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

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