As the world's largest apple producer, China's growing areas and output account for 40% and 33% of the world. Shandong is China's main area for the production of apples used for export. The export capacity of Shandong accounts for a third of China's apple export capacity.
In May this year, China and the US reached an agreement; China was granted permission to export apples to the US. Twelve apple companies obtained export qualifications; of which four were from Yantai. Currently, 80% of Shandong's apples are transported to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and other low-end South Asian markets. Less than 2% is exported to high-end markets such as Canada and Australia. The excessive concentration of the marketplace easily jeopardizes national markets and local fruit businesses. The increase of fruit import can cause limits for export.
Sources: Qilu Online, Jiaodong Online, Shuimu online