Not in shell eggs and egg yolks market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Chinese not in shell eggs and egg yolks market grew from 710 thousand tons to 790 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by increased regulatory focus and policy measures aimed at industry standardization, alongside technological advancements in yolk processing. The broadening application of egg yolk lecithin in functional foods and pharmaceuticals boosted demand, while key enterprises expanded production capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 impacted supply chains and consumption patterns, yet the market continued to grow due to sustained demand for egg-based premixes and quality improvements from new technologies.

Following a modest contraction to 770 thousand tons in 2021, likely influenced by the implementation of new food safety and labeling regulations, the market recovered and reached 803 thousand tons by 2023. This recovery and subsequent growth were driven by product innovations such as the emergence of egg-free mayonnaise, catering to health and convenience trends, and the expansion of the mooncake segment with egg yolk fillings. Technological upgrades enhanced the quality and production efficiency of liquid egg yolk, supporting market volume.

Market competition intensified as domestic producers gained share and new players entered. Supportive policies for biotechnology and functional foods stimulated R&D investment and extended the applications of egg yolk oil and lecithin. Growing consumer awareness of the nutritional value of egg yolk further underpinned consumption, while regulatory tightening on food safety and labeling helped formalize market operations.

Production not in shell eggs and egg yolks in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks from 2017 through 2020.

Top producers of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2017-2020

World map of production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2017-2020

China's production of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 795.4 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 12.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks production in China increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, production was valued at 2 609 million US dollars, representing a 6.0% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value grew by 43.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.7%.

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

Exports not in shell eggs and egg yolks from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China exported 5 896 tonnes of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, showing a significant decline of 13.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 36.8%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 14.2%. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 32.4%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2019 at 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong were the primary markets for China's exports of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks in volume terms. Japan accounted for 53.1% of exports, South Korea for 19.5%, and Hong Kong for 13.6%, together making up 86.2% 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, K $ US

In 2020, China's exports of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks totaled 19 339 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 12.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 19.4%, with an annualized rate of 6.9%. The most substantial drop was in 2018 at 16.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 9.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea were the main buyers of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks from China in value terms. Japan represented 36.0% of exports, Hong Kong 23.3%, and South Korea 13.7%, collectively accounting for 73.0% 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 not in shell eggs and egg yolks to China

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a sevenfold difference between these years. In 2020, China imported 133 tonnes of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, a dramatic increase of 600.1% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant supplier of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks to China, holding a 70.4% share of total import volume.

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, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports hit a low in 2019 and a high in 2020, varying by 7.2 times. In 2020, China's imports of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks reached 301 thousand US dollars, surging by 623.7% from 2019.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States consistently led as the primary source of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks imports to China in value terms, capturing 78.0% of total import flows.

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

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