China, one of the world's largest apple producers and exporters, is responsible for more than 50% of the global apple production volume. In recent years, however, Chinese apples have struggled in the domestic market and abroad because the overall surface area devoted to apple plantation in China continues to expand. The production volume is excessive. Market supply has exceeded demand for a long time now. And there is a lack of diversity in the product varieties that China produces. More than 60% of the apples produced in China are late-season red Fuji apples. There is a shortage of other new apple varieties in the Chinese market. Some consumer demand for other varieties can simply not be satisfied. At the same time, a growing number of countries have obtained permission to export apples to the Chinese market. They can supplement the lack of diversity in the Chinese market.
"Most of the Chinese apples are exported to Southeast Asian countries, but at the beginning of last year the outbreak of Covid-19 created a significant obstacle for apple export. The impact of the pandemic included impediment of movement for workers, rising distribution costs, and a shortage of shipping containers. One of the main problems was a delay in the return of shipping containers, which were stuck in overseas ports." This is according to Mr. Wang Ruilong of Shaanxi Jiafeng Vegetable and Fruit Trade Co., Ltd.
Mr. Wang further explained: "Many Chinese apples are destined for Southeast Asian markets where prices are low. The apples produced for those markets have little commercial value. Traders only gain a profit in this market from the volume of their sales. If transport of large volumes of apples is disrupted, then that immediately translates into a loss."
Import apples in China primarily come from the USA, New Zealand, and Chile. However, the number of US apples has declined as a result of the recent Sino-US trade war. Chinese importers have turned their attention to New Zealand and Chile instead. "The volume of import apples in the Chinese market grows every year. This proves the importance of product quality and product variety. The income of many Chinese consumers is rising and their interest in healthy, top-quality fruit is growing stronger every day. People start paying more attention to the origin of their import fruit and the specifics of different varieties."
For more information:
Mr. Wang Ruilong
Shaanxi Jiafeng Vegetables and Fruit Trade Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 133 2450 6688