Pepper market in China

Earlier Report Observations

China's pepper market volume expanded from 38 196 t in 2018 to a peak of 54 494 t in 2020, before receding and stabilizing around 39 800 t by 2023. The initial growth period was supported by a large-scale industry foundation with state backing, involving over a million farmers. However, from 2021 onward, supply-side challenges emerged, particularly severe flooding in key southern producing regions like Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan in 2023, which tightened supply and exerted upward pressure on prices.

Concurrently, the industry underwent structural modernization through standardized demonstration bases, technology hubs, and brand-building initiatives. The growth of derived products such as piperonyl alcohol also reflected a deepening value chain and improved processing capacity. Market value fluctuated, dropping sharply in 2019 but partially recovering in subsequent years. By 2023, rising prices due to supply constraints were accompanied by increased demand from traditional Chinese medicine and food manufacturers, trends that continued into 2024 with reported significant price surges and expanded processing activities in regions like Haikou.

Production pepper in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

China was among the world's leading pepper producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 7th globally by production volume.

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 35 270 tonnes of pepper, marking a moderate increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 5.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, China's pepper production value rebounded. In 2020, pepper output was valued at 206.5 million US dollars, showing a robust year-over-year rise of 10.3%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 44.4%, with a CAGR of -17.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 187.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 32.0%.

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

Exports pepper from China

Exports in kind, t

China's pepper exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 2 837 tonnes, reflecting a moderate advance of 5.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 113%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's pepper export structure in kind was highly diversified. North Korea (19.2% of exports in kind), Germany (15.8%), and the United States (11.0%) together accounted for only 46.0% of total flows, with the remaining 54.0% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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 pepper export value amounted to 16 612 thousand US dollars, indicating a strong rise of 10.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 940 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 33.4%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 24.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (18.3% of exports in value terms), Asia not elsewhere specified (16.3%), and Germany (15.1%) formed the largest group of buyers for Chinese pepper. However, their combined contribution was limited to 49.7% of total exports in value terms, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports pepper to China

Imports in kind, t

China's pepper imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totalled 22 062 tonnes, marking a steep rise of 72.2% compared with 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 471%, with a CAGR of 78.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia (41.2% of imports in kind), Vietnam (26.8%), and Malaysia (18.5%) led the ranking of pepper suppliers to China, with their combined share reaching 86.5% of total imports in kind.

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

China's pepper import volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 65 305 thousand US dollars, rising by 52.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 152.8%, with a CAGR of 36.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia (37.3% of imports in value terms), Malaysia (23.2%), and Vietnam (19.6%) were the primary suppliers of pepper to China, jointly accounting for 80.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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