China's fruit imports exceed $10 billion for the first time

Despite the negative effects of the pandemic and the trade difficulties encountered, China imported fruit in 2020 for a value that exceeded $10 billion for the first time.

 

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and a report from the Chamber of Commerce, the value of fruit imports in 2020 reached  $10.26 billion, an increase of 8% from 2019.

 

The main imported fruits, in order of value, were durians, cherries, bananas, mangosteen, fresh grapes, pitahaya, longans, kiwis and oranges.

 

In first place, durians with a value of $2.3 billion, i.e. + 44% compared to the previous year. The volume imported totaled 575,000 tonnes, or + 5%.

 

In 2nd place, cherries with a value of $1.63 billion, or + 16%. The volume imported totaled 210,000 tonnes, or + 9%.

 

In 3rd place, bananas with a value of $930 million, or -15%. The volume imported totaled 1.75 million tonnes, or -10%.

 

Then, the mangosteen recorded a decrease in value (-15%) and in volume (-19%). Table grapes recorded more or less similar levels to the previous year. Dragon fruit recorded the strongest increase in value of the entire fruit category, with a total value of  $550 million or + 53% and a volume of + 42%. Both kiwis and oranges registered decreases.

 

 

Regarding the countries of origin, Thailand was in 2020 and in terms of value the most important supplier, due to the progression of its durian shipments. Thai durians now represent 90% of the total imports of this fruit into China.