New report shows China’s apple output currently exceeds 51mn tonnes, while annual consumption surpasses 47mn tonnes
China continues to be the world’s top producer and consumer of apples, a position it has held since 2021, according to a recent report on the country’s apple industry.
The report, which was cited in local publication People’s Daily Online, said China’s annual apple output currently exceeds 51mn tonnes, while annual consumption surpasses 47mn tonnes.
This position was achieved via a number of developments across the sector.
The launch of apple futures contracts in 2017 significantly boosted China’s influence in global price discovery.
The country also made remarkable contributions to seed technology, developing in total 158 new varieties. Currently, about 70 per cent of newly established orchards plant these domestically developed offerings.
Production operations have seen a notable transformation moving from what was once a scattered planting exercise to intensive and standardised production in key growing regions. This has included adopting models linking enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to strengthen benefit-sharing across the value chain. People’s Daily Online said this has helped growers profit from value-added initiative beyond harvesting including processing and logistics.
Technologies such as variety breeding, dwarf-rootstock intensive cultivation, water-saving irrigation, and intelligent sorting are now widely utilised, representing significant growth. The sector has also adopted digital management and greater mechanisation as well as integrated business models such as livestream commerce and cross-border e-commerce supporting its global reach.
According to the report, exports of fresh apples reached 980,900 tonnes in 2024, up over 23 per cent year on year.
The report said China will continue to optimise apple variety structures, diversify markets, and promote deeper industrial integration. It expects to create even greater value in the years ahead.
