The year 2023 marked a significant period for China’s fruit trade, with both imports and exports showing substantial growth. This article delves into the data and trends surrounding China’s fruit market, exploring the dynamics of key imported fruits, the role of major supplying countries, and the export performance of Chinese fruits. We will also analyze the implications of these trends on global fruit trade and the economies of the countries involved.
1. Overview of China’s Fruit Import and Export Market in 2023
According to a report published by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce, and Animal By-Products, China’s fruit imports continued their upward trajectory throughout 2023. The country imported 7.52 million tons of fruit, valued at USD 16.85 billion, reflecting year-on-year increases of 3% and 15%, respectively, compared to 2022. On the export side, China shipped 3.87 million tons of fruit, valued at USD 4.98 billion, which represented year-on-year growth of 19% in volume and 8% in value.
2. Key Imported Fruits and Their Economic Impact
China’s fruit import market is dominated by a few key categories, with fresh durian, frozen durian, fresh cherries, bananas, and mangosteen leading the way. These categories accounted for 76% of China’s total fruit imports in 2023.
a. Fresh Durian: The Dominant Import
Fresh durian stands out as the most significant imported fruit, with imports reaching USD 6.72 billion in 2023, an impressive 66% increase from the previous year. The volume of fresh durian imports also saw a substantial rise, reaching 1.426 million tons, a 73% year-on-year increase. Thailand remains the primary supplier of fresh durian to China, with imports valued at USD 4.57 billion in 2023, marking an 18% increase in volume compared to the previous year. The introduction of fresh durian imports from Vietnam in July 2022 further bolstered the market, contributing USD 2.14 billion (493,000 tons) in 2023.
The economic impact of fresh durian imports on both Thailand and Vietnam cannot be overstated. Thailand’s durian industry, in particular, has benefited enormously from the growing demand in China, solidifying its position as the leading supplier. The Vietnamese market, though newer, has also experienced rapid growth, with potential for further expansion in the coming years.
b. Frozen Durian: A Growing Market
In addition to fresh durian, frozen durian also plays a significant role in China’s fruit import market. In 2023, frozen durian imports from Thailand amounted to USD 770 million, a 19% year-on-year increase. The volume of these imports reached 108,000 tons, reflecting a 12% increase compared to 2022. Malaysia also emerged as a key supplier of frozen durian, with imports valued at USD 270 million (25,000 tons), marking increases of 34% and 47%, respectively.
The frozen durian market is expected to grow further as more consumers in China develop a taste for this unique fruit, driven by both its novelty and the convenience of its frozen form. For Thailand and Malaysia, this trend offers an opportunity to diversify their durian export portfolios and increase their market share.
c. Fresh Cherries: The Second Most Imported Fruit
Fresh cherries were the second-largest category of imported fruits, with a total import value of USD 2.65 billion in 2023, although this represented a 4% year-on-year decrease. The volume of fresh cherry imports also declined by 5%, totaling 347,000 tons. Despite this decline, Chile remains the most important supplier of fresh cherries to China, with imports valued at USD 2.55 billion (334,000 tons), though this too reflected a 5% decrease in both value and volume.
The slight downturn in cherry imports may be attributed to various factors, including changes in consumer preferences, economic fluctuations, or increased competition from other fruits. Nevertheless, Chile’s strong presence in the Chinese market underscores the importance of this trade relationship for the Chilean economy.
d. Bananas: A Staple Fruit in China
Bananas are another critical component of China’s fruit import market. In 2023, China imported USD 1.08 billion worth of bananas, although this marked a 7% decrease from the previous year. The import volume of bananas stood at 1.768 million tons, a 2% year-on-year decline. The primary suppliers of bananas to China were the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ecuador, which collectively accounted for 97% of China’s total banana imports.
Bananas, being a staple fruit in many households, continue to be in high demand despite the slight decrease in imports. The economic impact on the supplying countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, remains significant as they continue to rely on China as a major market for their banana exports.
e. Mangosteen: A Fruit on the Rise
Mangosteen imports also saw growth in 2023, with the import value reaching USD 730 million and the volume totaling 242,000 tons, representing a 16% year-on-year increase. Thailand is the largest supplier of mangosteen to China, accounting for 86% of total imports. China imported USD 620 million worth of mangosteen from Thailand, a 14% increase in value, and 207,000 tons in volume, reflecting a 13% increase. Indonesia also emerged as a key supplier, with imports valued at USD 110 million (35,000 tons), marking year-on-year increases of 31% and 36%, respectively.
The growing popularity of mangosteen in China can be attributed to its exotic appeal and health benefits, making it a sought-after fruit among consumers. For Thailand and Indonesia, this trend offers an opportunity to further capitalize on their export capabilities and strengthen their positions in the Chinese market.
f. Green Coconut: A Growing Niche Market
Green coconut imports into China reached USD 580 million in 2023, with an import volume of 1.182 million tons, marking increases of 2% and 10%, respectively. The primary suppliers of green coconut were Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which together accounted for 99% of China’s total coconut imports.
Green coconut, often consumed for its refreshing water and soft meat, has gained popularity in China, particularly in urban areas where consumers are increasingly seeking out healthy and natural beverages. The steady growth in green coconut imports reflects this rising demand and highlights the potential for further expansion in this niche market.
g. Fresh Kiwi: A Consistent Performer
Fresh kiwi imports into China totaled USD 490 million in 2023, with a volume of 118,000 tons, remaining consistent with the previous year. New Zealand was the primary supplier, with imports valued at USD 450 million (104,000 tons), representing slight decreases of 2% in value and 3% in volume compared to 2022.
Kiwi remains a popular fruit in China due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. New Zealand’s dominance in the kiwi market is likely to continue, given its reputation for producing high-quality fruit. However, the slight decrease in imports may indicate increased competition or shifts in consumer preferences.
3. Chilean Fruit Exports to China: A Key Trade Relationship
Chile has established itself as a vital player in China’s fruit market, particularly in the export of fresh fruits. During the 2022-2023 season, Chile exported 598,362 tons of fresh fruit to China, making it the second-largest destination for Chilean fruit exports. The main species exported to China were cherries (71% of total exports), plums (14%), table grapes (10%), and nectarines (6%).
The economic impact of this trade relationship on Chile cannot be understated. The country’s fruit industry heavily relies on the Chinese market, particularly for its cherry exports, which dominate the export portfolio. As China continues to be a significant consumer of Chilean fruit, maintaining and expanding this trade relationship will be crucial for the future of Chile’s agricultural sector.
4. China’s Fruit Export Market: Growth and Key Categories
In 2023, China’s fruit export market also experienced growth, with total exports valued at USD 4.98 billion, an 8% year-on-year increase. The export volume reached 3.868 million tons, marking a 19% increase. The main categories of exported fruits included fresh apples, other citrus fruits (including satsumas and mandarin oranges), fresh grapes, fresh pears, pomelos, and grapefruits.
a. Fresh Apples: The Leading Export
Fresh apples were the leading category of fruit exports from China, valued at USD 970 million in 2023, with an export volume of 796,000 tons. However, these figures represented year-on-year decreases of 7% in value and 3% in volume. The primary export markets for Chinese apples were Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, all of which experienced general declines in import volumes.
Despite the downturn, fresh apples remain a significant export for China, with ongoing demand in Southeast Asian markets. The slight decline may be attributed to increased competition from other apple-producing countries or shifts in consumer preferences.
b. Other Citrus Fruits: A Growing Category
Other citrus fruits, including satsumas and mandarins, saw significant growth in exports in 2023. The total export value reached USD 850 million, with a volume of 832,000 tons, reflecting year-on-year increases of 19% and 41%, respectively. The main export markets for these fruits were Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Russia,
