Agriculture sector encouraged to focus on product quality over expanding volumes
China has signalled its intention to develop more high-value fresh produce exports as part of the country’s economic direction in the next five years.
According to a report from China Daily, The China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2026, released by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in June, revealed the country is expected to target export value and diversify markets during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).
The report, unveiled by Hu Xiangdong, director of the academy’s Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, said while export growth remains robust, the fruit and vegetable industries are entering a new stage of development, shifting from an export-oriented model toward a more balanced approach, serving both domestic and international markets.
China’s vegetable exports continue to generate stable trade surpluses, supported by strong competitiveness in labor-intensive and processed products such as garlic, onions, edible fungi and potatoes. Fruit exports are concentrated in apples, pears, citrus fruits, grapes and processed products.
The report identified eight product categories with strong export growth potential over the next five years, including processed fruits and nuts, melons, frozen fruits and frozen vegetables.
Hu said growth was not solely about increasing export volumes and the trade should prioritise improving product quality, processing capacity, cold-chain logistics and supply chain efficiency.
He also called for greater efforts to build regional brands and expand access to markets involved in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Belt and Road Initiative.
