China: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in China

After two years of decline, the Chinese sweet potato market increased by 3.5% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a mild decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 3.6%. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Production in China

In value terms, sweet potato production expanded slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a perceptible slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 5.1%. Sweet potato production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in China rose markedly to X tons per ha in 2021, increasing by 6.8% against the year before. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the yield attained the peak level and is likely to continue 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 sweet potato harvested area in China dropped modestly to X ha in 2021, with a decrease of -3.7% against 2020 figures. Overall, the harvested area continues to indicate a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 2.4%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, shipments abroad of sweet potatoes increased by 5% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 121%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato exports fell to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a noticeable expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 146%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Vietnam (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from China, with a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, sweet potato exports to Vietnam exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Hong Kong SAR (X tons), more than tenfold. The Netherlands (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Vietnam totaled +160.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (-15.9% per year) and the Netherlands (+9.2% per year).

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) remains the key foreign market for sweet potatoes exports from China, comprising 57% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Hong Kong SAR ($X), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 5.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Vietnam stood at +111.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (-2.9% per year) and Japan (-17.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -14% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw tangible growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 88%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($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 the United States (+33.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, overseas purchases of sweet potatoes decreased by -71.5% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports recorded a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 883% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports shrank sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, imports faced a significant decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 163%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Vietnam (X tons) was the main supplier of sweet potato to China, with a approx. 488% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Vietnam totaled +47.3%.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to China.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Vietnam amounted to +38.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -6.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 132% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Vietnam.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Taiwan (Chinese) amounted to +27.0% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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