Peaches and nectarines market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh peaches and nectarines in China grew from 14.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 17.5 million tonnes in 2023. This expansion was driven by increased peach tree planting areas, especially in central regions, and sustained efforts in variety renewal and agricultural technology upgrades. For example, Zaoyang's implementation of a balanced ripening system for early, mid, and late-season varieties helped stabilize supply across the season.

In value terms, the market peaked at $26.1 billion in 2020 before declining to $22.5 billion by 2023. The earlier rise aligned with accelerated product development and technology-driven industry policies. Later fluctuations reflected weather disruptions, including drought in 2023 that affected yields in some growing areas, alongside growing consumer demand for organic and pesticide-free nectarines, which encouraged a shift toward sustainable cultivation practices.

The industry continued adapting to climate change, which impacted flowering patterns and fruit quality, while tighter farmland use policies redirected some land from peach cultivation to grain production. Trends such as digital supply-chain management and the promotion of late-ripening nectarine varieties in Dalian aimed at enhancing market transparency and extending the sales season.

Production peaches and nectarines in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the world's largest producer of peaches and nectarines.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

China's production of peaches and nectarines grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 000 thousand tons, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 1.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of peaches and nectarines production in China increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 26 112 million US dollars, up 8.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 28.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from China

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 63.4 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 121.2 thousand tons, representing a 1.9-fold difference between the peak and trough. In 2020, China's export volume fell sharply to 77.6 thousand tons, a 36.0% decrease from 2019. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 91.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Russia—accounted for 85.0% of China's total peach and nectarine exports by volume.

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

Market behavior was marked by volatility in this period. Export values varied 2.2 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2019. In 2020, the value of exported peaches and nectarines from China was 135.1 million US dollars, down 31.6% from 2019. The minimum value was 90.3 million US dollars in 2018, while the maximum reached 197.5 million US dollars in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 36.0% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 118.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Russia were the core markets for China's peach and nectarine exports by value. Vietnam accounted for 50.2% of exports, Kazakhstan for 21.4%, and Russia for 15.3%, together making up 86.9% 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 peaches and nectarines to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of peaches and nectarines increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 37.0 thousand tons, up 37.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 321.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 61.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Chile was the dominant source for China's peach and nectarine imports by volume, holding a 74.8% share of total imports, while the remainder was distributed among other partners.

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

The value of China's peach and nectarine imports rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 93.0 million US dollars, a 24.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value surged by 273.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 55.1%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Chile and Australia were the leading sources for China's peach and nectarine imports by value, together accounting for 97.3% of total import value, with the rest spread across other countries.

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

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