China’s Fruit Trade in 2024: Imports and Exports Show Steady Growth
On March 7, 2024, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products released a comprehensive report detailing China’s fruit import and export trade for the year. The report highlights significant growth in both imports and exports, underscoring China’s expanding role in the global fruit market.
Fruit Imports: A $19.4 Billion Market
In 2024, China imported fruits and fruit products worth 19.425billion,reflectinga5.8117.746 billion, up 5.25% from 2023. The total import volume of fruits and fruit products reached 8.6798 million metric tons, a 3.35% increase, with fruits making up 7.6871 million metric tons, a 2.17% rise.
Top Exporters to China
The top 10 fruit exporters to China by value were Thailand, Chile, Vietnam, New Zealand, the Philippines, Peru, Indonesia, Cambodia, Australia, and Malaysia. Together, these countries accounted for 92.15% of China’s total fruit import value. Thailand remained the largest supplier, with exports worth 6.529billion,despitea10.54333 million.
Leading Fruit Categories
The top fruit categories by import value were durians, cherries, bananas, mangosteens, and kiwifruit, collectively representing 72.2% of total fruit import value. By volume, bananas, durians, coconuts, cherries, and longans dominated, accounting for 64.9% of total fruit imports.
- Durians: Durians led in import value, reaching 6.994billion,a4.14.569 billion), while Vietnam contributed 493,100 metric tons ($2.138 billion).
- Cherries: Cherries ranked second, with imports worth 3.694billion,a39.43.544 billion worth of cherries, totaling 439,000 metric tons.
- Bananas: Banana imports declined to $907 million and 1.687 million metric tons, down 16.0% and 4.6%, respectively. The Philippines, Vietnam, and Ecuador were the primary sources, accounting for 79.2% of the volume.
- Mangosteens: Mangosteen imports fell 8.9% in value to $665 million, but volume rose 13.7% to 275,100 metric tons.
Fruit Exports: A $8.5 Billion Industry
China’s fruit and fruit product exports reached 8.561billionin2024,a20.885.987 billion, up 20.16%, with a volume of 5.0612 million metric tons, a significant 30.86% rise. The total export volume of fruits and fruit products hit 6.5925 million metric tons, up 31.08%.
Top Export Markets
The top 10 export markets by value were Vietnam, the United States, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Hong Kong (China), Malaysia, and the Philippines. These markets accounted for 74.74% of total export value. Vietnam was the largest destination, with exports worth 1.455billion,a15.41128 million, up 7.78%.
Leading Export Categories
The top five fruit categories by export value were apples, table grapes, other citrus fruits, pears, and oranges, representing 60.7% of total fruit export value. By volume, apples, other citrus fruits, pears, table grapes, and grapefruit (including pomelos) dominated, accounting for 65.37% of total fruit exports.
Editor’s Note: “Other citrus fruits” refers to HS code 08052190, which includes mandarin oranges and satsuma oranges, as classified by China Customs.
China’s fruit trade in 2024 demonstrated robust growth, with both imports and exports expanding significantly. The country’s appetite for premium fruits like durians and cherries continues to drive import growth, while its export sector thrives on strong demand for apples, citrus fruits, and other staples. As global trade dynamics evolve, China remains a pivotal player in the international fruit market.
