Chinese fruit production increases
Apples
The prognosis for the 2011/2012 season, which runs from July 2011 to June 2012 is 35 million tons, an increase of 5% over the 2010/2011 season. The area reportedly grew by 3% compared to the previous year (22 million hectares). Most of the acreage increase occurred in western provinces, where labor costs are lower and where there is more farmland than in the east. The prices for apples in Shangdong were 0.88 to 1.00 Dollar per kilo, although the demand, which was less than expected, drove prices down. The foreign apple imports increased by 8% over the 2010/2011 season with a total import of 80,000 tons.
The main suppliers of China, are the United States with a total export to China and Hong Kong worth $ 62 million. In particular, the Red Delicious apples from Washington State are popular. The import of Gala and Granny Smith apples also increased despite the high prices. The total Chinese export is estimated at 110,000 tonnes for 2011/2012, an increase of 4% compared to 2010/2011. The demand for low-grade apples in Russia and neighbouring Asian have supported exports.
Chinese apple- and pear production area x1000ha
hectare 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Apples 1.898 1.961 1.992 2.049 2139
Pears 1.087 1.071 1.074 1.074. 1.063
(source: China Agriculture Statistical Report)
Chinese apple- and pear production in tonnes
Production 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Apples 26.059 27.859 29.846 31.680 33.263
Pears 11.986 12.895 13.538 14.262 15.057
(source: China Agriculture Statistical Report)
Pears
Despite a 1% decrease in acreage it is expected that the pear production for 2011/2012 will rise by 4% compared to last season. The total production is estimated at 15.6 million tonnes. The increase is primarily attributable to the favourable weather in pear producing regions. The total area covers 1.05 million hectares for 2011/2012. The prices were 50% higher than last season with prices ranging from $ 1.39 to $ 1.47 per kilo. The total imports rose by 46% compared to last year with a final forecast for 2011/2012 of 500 tons. The import increase is largely attributable to the opening of borders to Belgian fruit. In 2010 the United States provided pears and quinces to China and Hong Kong worth $ 3 million. This is despite the fact that the U.S. has no official access to the market. The export of pears fell by 5% over the previous year with a forecast of 400,000 tons. Neighbouring countries maintained a constant demand for Chinese pears, but the rising export costs and the value of local currencies, are factors that reduced foreign purchases.
Grapes
Besides an increase of 9% in the Chinese grape acreage it is expected that production for 2011/2012 will rise by 8% to a total of 6.7 million tonnes. The total acreage is forecast at 600,000 hectares. The farm gate price for Red Globe grapes reached $ 0.91 per kilogram in 2010/2011, but fell to $ 0.60 per kilo this year. The decrease was attributed to the increased production, which came a long way to meet the high demand.
Chinese grape acreage and production (x 1000ha and in tonnes)
Grapes 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Area 418.7 438.4 451.2 493.4 552.0
Production 6270.756 6696.814 7151.48 7940.612 8548.946
Imports have risen by 27% compared to last year with the final outcome of 150,000 tons. The strong demand for foreign grapes is met with fruit from Chile, the United States and Peru.
Last year the total value of U.S. grape shipments to China was estimated at $ 92 million, an increase of 19% over the previous year. This is due mainly to strong demand for (seedless) American grapes, which are regarded as high quality. The total Chinese exports grapes for 2011/2012 is estimated at 115,000 tons, an increase of 30% compared to last season.
Source: USDA/FAS