China: Apple Market 2025

Apple Market Size in China

After two years of growth, the Chinese apple market decreased by -3% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Apple consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Apple Production in China

In value terms, apple production contracted modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +63.3% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 29% against the previous year. Apple production peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

In 2021, the average yield of apples in China rose slightly to X tons per ha, growing by 3.3% on the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the yield increased by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average apple yield reached the peak level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The apple harvested area in China totaled X ha in 2021, approximately equating 2020 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 5.3% against the previous year. The apple harvested area peaked at X ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Apple Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, overseas shipments of apples increased by 1.9% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, total exports indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +11.0% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 94%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, apple exports fell to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +14.7% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 41%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Vietnam (X tons), Bangladesh (X tons) and the Philippines (X tons) were the main destinations of apple exports from China, together comprising 48% of total exports. Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 43%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Nepal (with a CAGR of +11.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for apple exported from China were Vietnam ($X), Thailand ($X) and the Philippines ($X), together comprising 51% of total exports.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +18.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average apple export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -3.2% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.4%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+11.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Apple Imports

Imports into China

Apple imports into China shrank to X tons in 2021, declining by -10.2% against the year before. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a mild expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 211%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, apple imports expanded remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 219%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, New Zealand (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of apple to China, with a 57% share of total imports. Moreover, apple imports from New Zealand exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Africa (X tons), threefold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from New Zealand totaled +37.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (+64.6% per year) and the United States (-9.5% per year).

In value terms, New Zealand ($X) constituted the largest supplier of apples to China, comprising 71% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by South Africa, with an 8.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from New Zealand stood at +43.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-6.4% per year) and South Africa (+58.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average apple import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.4%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 36% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was New Zealand ($X per ton), while the price for South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+4.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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