Taro market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The taro market in China grew steadily from 2018 to 2023, with total market volume expanding from 1 791 K t to 1 853 K t. Production increased over this period from 1 860 K t to 1 895 K t, supported by consistent domestic output while exports gradually declined.

Market development was driven by product innovation from major brands. In 2021, the popular dessert chain Xianyu Xian launched new taro products incorporating healthy ingredients like grains and rice milk, which boosted product recognition and catered to evolving consumer tastes. This brand reinforced its market position in 2024 with a major rebranding centered on natural ingredients and freshness, further elevating product quality and consumer appeal.

The market environment in 2024 was also shaped by significant price and technological factors. Taro prices fell by more than 20% during the year, potentially making the product more accessible. Simultaneously, the adoption of advanced freezing and freeze-drying technologies improved product shelf life and freshness, enabling wider distribution and meeting growing consumer demand for healthy and functional foods.

Production taro in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's second-largest producer of taro by volume.

Top producers of taro, 2017-2020

World map of production of taro, 2017-2020

Taro production in China grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 910 thousand tonnes of taro, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 3.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's taro production value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 172 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 7.0% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Exports taro from China

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, China's taro export volumes declined. In 2020, the country exported 68 746 tonnes of taro, a 5.4% drop from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 72 678 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading destinations for China's taro exports by volume. Japan accounted for 49.5% of exports, Vietnam for 18.2%, and the United Arab Emirates for 11.1%, together making up 78.8% 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, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, China's taro export values showed a slight decline. In 2020, exports amounted to 78 195 thousand US dollars, remaining largely unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values increased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 78 352 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan and Vietnam dominated China's taro exports in value terms. Japan contributed 69.4% of total flows, while Vietnam accounted for 12.2%, together representing 81.6% of total exports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports taro to China

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China's taro imports totaled 431 tonnes, a 14.2% increase from the prior year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 621 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 235.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 39.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia was the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of taro to China, accounting for 91.2% of total imports by volume.

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 indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 6.3-fold difference. In 2020, China's taro imports reached 1 332 thousand US dollars, an 87.5% rise compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 14.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 291.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, imports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Indonesia, which accounted for 91.7% 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