China’s apple exports dip slightly

China exported 1.3 million tons of apples in 2017, worth US$1.5 billion. Compared with 2016, volumes were down 0.33%, while export value fell 0.64%. The top export markets for Chinese apples were its neighbours Bangladesh (169,000 tons), the Philippines (132,000 tons), India (131,000 tons), Thailand (118,000 tons), and Indonesia (117,000 tons).

The main growing regions are Shandong province, Yunnan province, and Shaanxi province. Exports grew during the first half of the year before falling away in the second half. The lower prices in the early part of the year boosted exports, especially to the Indian market where volumes were up by over 100%. Things changed on June 1 when harmful organisms were detected prompting the Indian Government to ban imports of Chinese apples. This dramatically affected the export price of Chinese apples. There is still no accurate information on when India will lift the embargo.

Elsewhere, exports were helped by the gradual recovery of the Indonesian market. In 2017, China’s exports to Indonesia were up 30.3% from 2016—the highest figures in five years. In 2012, the Indonesian Government applied apple import quotas, but the joint efforts of the Chinese Government and the private sector have led to exports recovering somewhat. The Indonesian market is expected to continue its recovery.