Apples are the number one fruit in China, and China is the largest apple producer in the world in terms of surface area devoted to apple production and production volumes. Data from the China Apple Distribution Association the price of apples in China increased this year by more than 30% in comparison with the same period last year. This is also the highest price in the last 10 years.

The purchase price of apples in production areas clearly increased in 2018 by around 1 yuan [0.14 USD] per 0.5 kg.

Three reasons for the apple price increase

The apple production volume decreased in China this year because many production areas suffered from frost. This is the first reason that the price of apples increased this year.

Apart from the decreased production volume, the price also increased because product quality increased.

And in addition to these two reasons, people in the industry state that the capital from apple delivery contracts, released for sale at the end of last year, now also enters the production areas which in turn drives the purchase price up.

Export conditions look good, apples have great potential

China is the largest apple producer with an annual production volume of more than 40 million tons. Even though China is also the largest apple exporter, the export volume still only accounts for 5% of the overall production volume. There is great potential in the apple export market.

Data from the China Apple Distribution Association also shows that Chinas five largest apple export destinations were Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. The Southeast Asian export market accounts for 80% of Chinas apple export volume.