Prepared mushrooms and truffles market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared mushrooms and truffles in China began a phase of rapid expansion in 2018, with domestic production surging from 581 thousand tons to over 2 670 thousand tons by 2019. This dramatic increase was primarily driven by substantial government support for the mushroom industry, including subsidies for cultivation area expansion and promotion of technological advancements. Simultaneously, improvements in farming techniques and the introduction of diverse mushroom varieties enhanced yields and supported the scaling of output.

Growth continued through the early 2020s, even as the COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary supply chain disruptions. Policy measures to support agricultural and food processing enterprises helped maintain stability, while large state-owned enterprises and leading players increased investments in production base expansions, boosting overall capacity. New market entrants focused on functional and premium mushroom segments, further diversifying the offering. Rising consumer awareness of nutritional benefits and a shift toward healthy, plant-based diets sustained demand, complemented by stricter food safety regulations and updated packaging and labeling rules that reinforced traceability and consumer trust.

By 2023, the domestic market volume reached 2 938 thousand tons, reflecting a steady upward trajectory as production climbed to 3 229 thousand tons.

Production prepared mushrooms and truffles in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in the production of prepared mushrooms and truffles.

Top producers of prepared mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

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

China's production of prepared mushrooms and truffles grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 741 thousand tons, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 390.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 69.9%.

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

Exports prepared mushrooms and truffles from China

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, China's exports of prepared mushrooms and truffles declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 253.1 thousand tons, showing a moderate decrease of 3.3% compared to the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 4.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 261.6 thousand tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for prepared mushrooms and truffles were quite diverse. Russia accounted for 13.9% of exports, Malaysia for 9.8%, and South Korea for 7.5%, together making up just 31.2% of total flows, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

China's exports of prepared mushrooms and truffles in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value reached 974.0 million US dollars, up 1.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 61.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4%.

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

The market for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad-based. Hong Kong contributed 19.7% of the total value, Vietnam 14.0%, and Malaysia 12.7%, together accounting for 46.5% of flows, while the remaining 53.5% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports prepared mushrooms and truffles to China

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 0.2 thousand tons, a sharp increase of 71.8% from the previous year. The minimum was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 thousand tons, and the largest decline occurred that year at 49.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Australia, and Spain were consistently the main sources for imports of prepared mushrooms and truffles into China. Italy accounted for 26.1% of imports, Australia for 25.0%, and Spain for 10.5%, together representing 61.6% of total 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

The market displayed an unstable trend over this period. The lowest value was observed in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 9 times. In 2020, import value totaled 3.7 million US dollars, a sharp year-on-year increase of 178.4%. The minimum was in 2018 at 0.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 30.1%, and the largest increase in 2019 at 224.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, Italy, and Pakistan formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms. Australia accounted for 55.8% of the total value, Italy for 18.2%, and Pakistan for 7.4%, jointly making up 81.4% of total flows.

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

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