Eastern Asia: Chestnut Market 2025

Chestnut Market Size in Eastern Asia

In 2021, the East Asian chestnut market increased by 0.6% to $X for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a mild contraction. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Chestnut Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, chestnut production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a slight decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 30%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of chestnut production was China (X tons), accounting for 95% of total volume. It was followed by South Korea (X tons), with a 3% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China was relatively modest.

The average chestnut yield declined modestly to X tons per ha in 2021, standing approx. at the year before. In general, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 1.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the chestnut yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2020, and then dropped in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the chestnut harvested area in Eastern Asia declined modestly to X ha, remaining relatively unchanged against 2020 figures. In general, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 5.8%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to chestnut production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Chestnut Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of chestnuts decreased by -4.9% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, chestnut exports contracted slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a pronounced slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 4% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) was the largest exporter of chestnuts, mixing up 84% of total exports. It was distantly followed by South Korea (X tons), comprising a 14% share of total exports. Japan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of chestnuts. Japan (-3.5%) and South Korea (-6.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+9.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of South Korea (-8.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest chestnut supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

In China, chestnut exports declined by an average annual rate of -1.9% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (-7.6% per year) and Japan (-2.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 18% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Chestnut Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, supplies from abroad of chestnuts increased by 33% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, saw a perceptible setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, chestnut imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep downturn. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Japan (X tons) was the key importer of chestnuts in Eastern Asia, achieving 100% of total import.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in South Korea (with a CAGR of +6.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest chestnut importing markets in Eastern Asia were China ($X), Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) and Japan ($X), together accounting for 84% of total imports. South Korea lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 15%.

Among the main importing countries, South Korea, with a CAGR of +5.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -7.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a noticeable slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the import price increased by 22% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (-0.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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