Oranges market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The orange market in China contracted in volume from 8.3 million tons in 2018 to 7.7 million tons in 2020, a trend that coincided with a period of record global production driven by favorable weather in major growers like Brazil and the United States. This global abundance did not offset a decline in domestic output, which fell from 7.98 million tons to 7.5 million tons over the same period.

From 2021 onward, the market stabilized and saw modest growth, reaching 7.8 million tons by 2023. This recovery was supported by a structural shift in trade: Chinese orange exports surged by over 220% in the 2023/24 season due to strong demand in Southeast Asia and improved regional trade infrastructure like the China-Laos Railway. Concurrently, imports fell by 22%, reflecting changes in sourcing from traditional suppliers. The rapid expansion of e-commerce channels also allowed suppliers to connect directly with consumers, improving sales efficiency.

Recent industry developments include the Chinese government strengthening regulatory oversight of the orange sector and the release of new online sales cycle management rules by WeChat Shop. Consumer interest has also grown for novel varieties like lycopene-rich pink oranges, while global supply was affected by a significant drop in U.S. production due to disease and adverse weather.

Production oranges in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the second position globally in orange production.

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

China's orange production declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7,500 thousand tonnes of oranges, marking a 3.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, orange production in China saw an increase. In 2020, the output was valued at 13,238 million US dollars, up 6.3% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 15.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12,454 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with an 11.0% decrease.

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

Exports oranges from China

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, orange exports from China reached 62.4 thousand tonnes, showing a significant increase of 15.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 11.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 54.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines were the top contributors to China's orange exports by volume. Vietnam accounted for 64.4% of exports, Hong Kong for 8.6%, and the Philippines for 6.9%, together making up 79.9% 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

In 2020, the value of orange exports from China totaled 110.2 million US dollars, representing a 26.5% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 87.1 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 19.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines played leading roles in the value of China's orange exports. Vietnam contributed 66.8%, Hong Kong 8.8%, and the Philippines 6.7%, collectively accounting for 82.3% 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 oranges to China

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, orange imports into China declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 297.4 thousand tonnes, down 31.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 432.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, South Africa, and Australia were the main sources of orange imports into China by volume. Egypt accounted for 33.7% of imports, South Africa for 32.6%, and Australia for 13.6%, together comprising 79.9% of total import flows.

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

Orange imports into China declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 313.5 million US dollars, a notable decrease of 21.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 18%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 436.7 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Egypt, and Australia accounted for the largest share of orange imports into China by value. South Africa contributed 30.1%, Egypt 23.5%, and Australia 20.7%, together making up 74.3% 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