Mushrooms and truffles market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for fresh and chilled mushrooms and truffles in Eastern Asia grew consistently, supported by advances in cultivation technology and industry expansion. Progress in growing techniques helped scale up production, while regions like Shunchang County in China reinforced their role as major production hubs, boosting output of varieties such as seafood mushroom. Concurrently, the mushroom spawn market saw both supply and demand rise, underpinning the sector's overall growth.

The growth pace accelerated from 2021 onward, partly due to shifts in consumer preferences. Increasing health consciousness and the rise of vegetarianism spurred demand for mushrooms as a nutritious, plant-based ingredient. The European Union's recognition of vitamin D2 in medicinal mushrooms further opened opportunities in the nutraceutical segment. In 2022, additional momentum came from the rapidly growing processed mushroom market, where innovations like mushroom powders and sauces, along with expanded supermarket presence, made products more accessible and convenient.

By 2023, the industry continued to evolve through supply chain improvements and new product launches. Shunchang County, for instance, introduced ready-to-cook mushroom-based dishes such as stews and soups, diversifying the product range. At the same time, the black truffle product market expanded as consumers became more aware of its flavor and health benefits, reflected in a surge of truffle-concept goods in the seasoning segment. These developments sustained steady market volume growth, despite some fluctuations in value terms.

Production mushrooms and truffles in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

World map of production of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's production of mushrooms and truffles has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 40 493 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 2.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, the value of mushroom and truffle production in Eastern Asia rebounded in 2020. Output was valued at 77 362 million US dollars, marking a slight year-on-year increase of 1.9%. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 7.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 75 937 million US dollars, which saw the sharpest drop of 5.0% during this period.

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

Exports mushrooms and truffles from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's exports of mushrooms and truffles in volume terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 163.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a moderate rise of 8.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export volumes grew by 61.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States were the top destinations for Eastern Asia's mushroom and truffle exports in volume terms. Thailand accounted for 26.8% of exports, Vietnam for 24.2%, and the United States for 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented 62.4% of total export volumes.

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

Eastern Asia's mushroom and truffle exports in value terms have also grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 312.6 million US dollars, up 7.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 39.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States were among the largest buyers of mushrooms and truffles from Eastern Asia in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 22.0% of export value, Thailand for 13.1%, and the United States for 12.2%. However, even combined, they represented just 47.3% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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 mushrooms and truffles to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Eastern Asia's imports of mushrooms and truffles in volume terms increased in 2020. The region imported approximately 18.7 thousand tonnes, a significant gain of 40.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 13.3 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 17.2% during this period.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the structure of Eastern Asia's mushroom and truffle imports in volume terms was led by Asia (not elsewhere specified), the Netherlands, and Canada. Asia accounted for 2.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 2.2%, and Canada for 0.6%. Together, these three sources represented 5.2% of total import flows.

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

Cross-border shipments of mushrooms and truffles into Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, imports totaled 90.2 million US dollars, indicating a measured fall of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 15%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.3%.

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

The partner structure for Eastern Asia's mushroom and truffle imports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Italy accounted for 10.4% of import value, Canada for 3.6%, and the United States for 3.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 17.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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