Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in China increased from 7.3 million tons to 7.7 million tons. This growth was initially supported by high returns from pumpkin seed cultivation, which encouraged widespread planting by farmers. In the following years, rising consumer demand for natural and healthy foods, along with continuous improvements in agricultural techniques, sustained the market expansion. The industry's focus on developing functional and branded pumpkin products further stimulated production and consumption.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market contracted moderately to 7.6 million tons in 2022 before showing a slight recovery to 7.6 million tons in 2023. The uptick in 3 coincided with the rapid growth of the pumpkin seed butter segment, where domestic companies accelerated product innovation and diversification for applications in food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, thereby supporting demand for pumpkins as a raw material.

In 4, the industry landscape continued to evolve with companies securing patents for pumpkin seed-based health foods and active participation in the global pumpkin seed trade, underscoring the ongoing diversification of the pumpkin value chain beyond fresh produce.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

China's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7 547 K t, marking a modest increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China's export volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 27 152 t, reflecting a decline of 3.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 579 t. The largest drop occurred in 2018, with a 20.9% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 25.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, the main buyers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from China were Vietnam (accounting for 40.1% of exports in kind), Hong Kong (36.0%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (13.8%). Together, these markets made up 89.9% of total exports in kind.

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

China's export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 22 403 K $ US, showing a slight uptick of 0.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 28%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong and Vietnam were the primary destinations for exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to China

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed out in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China imported approximately 5 876 t of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, corresponding to a steep decrease of 35.9% versus the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 452 t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 9 174 t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 165.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, New Zealand absorbed 80.5% of total imports in kind of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to China, with the balance spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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 data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes bottomed out in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 3.1 times. In 2020, China imported 5 328 K $ US of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, down by 22.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 883 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 125.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, pumpkins, squash, and gourds imported by China were shipped mainly from New Zealand, which absorbed 93.8% 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