China is the largest vegetable producer in the world when it comes to seed volume and the surface area of plantations. China exports vegetables to more than 190 countries. In the period from January to November in 2017, Chinese vegetable export value increased by 5.1% compared to the same period in 2016. This is the largest growth of export value compared with aquatic products, fruit, and meat.
However, Chinese vegetable exports to the European Union only account for 2% of this number. Quality is the main issue when it comes to markets in developed countries. Organic vegetables receive great support in developed countries. The annual growth rate of organic markets in European countries has been over 20%-30% in the last few years. The popularity rate of organic vegetables in Japan is over 80%.
Greenhouse for organic vegetables
The export volume of Chinese vegetables that pass west through the Khorgas port in Xinjiang has greatly increased as a result of the One Belt, One Road initiative. In 2016, half of the vegetable import in Kazakhstan came from China. That was almost 150 thousand tons. The spread of Chinese vegetables is achieved through off-season vegetables. They are used to capture the taste of foreigners. Since most countries to the west of China have long and cold winters, they also have a limited variety of vegetables and a small production volume.
Source: CCTV Financial Guide