Vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market size for vegetables, pulses and potatoes preserved in vinegar in China gradually declined from 408.7 thousand tons to 370.4 thousand tons. This period was marked by successive regulatory reforms from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, which revised pesticide registration rules and seed production license management to strengthen product quality and safety controls. While these measures aimed to secure the supply chain, they also introduced stricter compliance requirements for producers.

A significant shift occurred from 2022 onward with the enhanced policy focus on fresh vegetable production capacity. The implementation of the mayor's responsibility system for the 'vegetable basket' and the construction of northern facility vegetable bases increased the availability of fresh produce. Market reports from Beijing highlighted sufficient vegetable supply at wholesale markets and falling prices, which likely redirected consumer preference toward fresh alternatives and reduced demand for preserved products. Concurrently, the revised Product Quality and Safety Law in September 2022 further solidified the regulatory framework for agricultural goods.

The market environment was also shaped by the growth of related processed segments, such as bean products and potato flour, indicating industry diversification. Activity among major players in dehydrated vegetables and the expansion of the potato flour market reflected investment in alternative forms of processing. These developments, alongside the consistent regulatory emphasis on safety, contributed to a stabilized market volume for vinegar-preserved products, which registered 365.9 thousand tons in 2023 after previous declines.

Production vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in the production of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar.

Top producers of vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar, 2017-2020

World map of production of vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar, 2017-2020

China's production of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 444.0 K t, down 2.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 479.5 K t, which saw a 1.7% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 5.5% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, China's production value for vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 731.3 M $ US, up 4.5% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 9.7%, averaging a 3.3% annual decline. The lowest value was in 2019 at 699.9 M $ US, which marked an 11.1% drop, the largest decline during this time.

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

Exports vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China's exports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar totaled 80 508 t, a slight decrease of 0.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.2%, with an average annual increase of 0.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 77 576 t, down 1.5% from the prior year. The highest was in 2019 at 80 982 t, which saw a 4.4% rise, the largest increase in the period.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, South Korea, and the United States were the key destinations for China's exports in kind. Japan accounted for 40.3% of exports, South Korea for 30.1%, and the United States for 8.5%, together making up 78.9% 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, M $ US

After two years of decline, China's export value for vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 132.6 M $ US, up 6.0% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 125.1 M $ US, following a 5.8% decline in 2018, which was the largest drop during this period.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, South Korea, and the United States remained the primary buyers in value terms. Japan represented 39.6% of export value, South Korea 28.1%, and the United States 7.0%, collectively accounting for 74.7% of total exports.

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

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

Imports vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar to China

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, China's imports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 7 064 t, down 1.1% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 13%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 7 139 t, preceded by the largest increase of 7.5% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Vietnam, and Italy were the main sources for China's imports in kind. Germany contributed 34.6% of imports, Vietnam 31.3%, and Italy 10.0%, together representing 75.9% of total import 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

China's import value for vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 11.0 M $ US, a strong increase of 10.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 12.3%, with an average annual increase of 4.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 9.7 M $ US, which saw a minor decline of 0.2%, the smallest drop during this time.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Vietnam formed the core group for China's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.9% of import value, Italy for 19.8%, and Vietnam for 16.8%, collectively making up 71.5% of total import flows.

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

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