Kiwifruit market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The kiwifruit market in Southern Asia contracted in volume from 181 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 116 thousand tonnes in 2022, before partially recovering to 132 thousand tonnes in 2023. In value terms, the market size declined consistently from 141 million US dollars to 70 million US dollars over the same period.

The significant growth in exports, from 125 thousand tonnes to 199 thousand tonnes between 2018 and 2022, reduced domestic availability. This export surge was driven by Zespri's expansion into 100 Chinese cities and its strategic partnership for sales in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, creating new overseas demand for the region's kiwifruit. The market volume rebound in 2023 aligned with increased consumer focus on health and vitamin C-rich foods, which bolstered local consumption.

Market development was further supported by the introduction of new varieties such as 'Ruiyu' and red kiwifruit, enhancing product diversity. Industry initiatives like Zespri's license releases for SunGold kiwifruit and the launch of a major government R&D program in New Zealand aimed at improving cultivation and processing also contributed to the sector's underlying dynamism.

Production kiwifruit in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

In Southern Asia, kiwifruit production reached 310.4 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 305.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.2% during the period.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, kiwifruit production in Southern Asia experienced a downturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 180.5 million US dollars, representing a significant 27.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 248.0 million US dollars, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 at 11.5%.

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

Exports kiwifruit from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, kiwifruit exports from Southern Asia amounted to 140.3 thousand tonnes, remaining largely stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 51.2%, with a CAGR of 14.8%. The most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 34.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary destinations for kiwifruit exports from Southern Asia in volume terms. Russia accounted for 39.2% of exports, Iraq for 16.2%, and the UAE for 4.4%, collectively representing 59.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of expansion, the value of kiwifruit exports from Southern Asia declined. In 2020, exports totaled 81.6 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 28.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 31%, with a CAGR of 9.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 113.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 55.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates remained the key markets for kiwifruit exports from Southern Asia in value terms. Russia held 41.8% of export value, Iraq 15.6%, and the UAE 4.1%, together comprising 61.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kiwifruit to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Kiwifruit imports into Southern Asia showed notable fluctuations during the period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 0.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.9%. Imports then peaked in 2020 at 3.8 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic 528.6% year-over-year increase and a 14.1-fold difference from the 2018 low.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates and China were the leading sources for kiwifruit imports into Southern Asia in volume terms, together accounting for 3.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Kiwifruit imports into Southern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7.5 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 434.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value surged by 676.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 98.0%.

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

An analysis of import value from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 12.0% of import value, China for 4.1%, and Australia for 2.8%, together making up only 18.9% of total flows, with the remaining 81.1% spread among other trading partners.

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

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