China’s fresh produce exports surged 20 per cent while Spain and the Netherlands also posted strong growth, according to United Nations trade statistics processed by Fepex
Global exports of fresh fruits and vegetables reached 148mn tonnes in 2024, up 2 per cent on the 146mn tonnes exported in 2023.
That is according to United Nations data on international trade, processed by Fepex.
China, Spain and the Netherlands were the world’s leading fruit and vegetable exporters last year, the UN Statistics Division found.
China’s exports grew by 20 per cent, up from 11.1mn tonnes in 2023 to 13.4mn tonnes.
Spain’s exports climbed by 9 per cent, from 11mn to 12mn tonnes, while the Netherlands’ increased by 18 per cent, from 11mn tonnes to 13.4mn tonnes last year – primarily due to the re-export of produce from other countries.
Mexico was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of fruits and vegetables in 2024, with 11.3mn tonnes, representing a 6 per cent decrease year-on-year.
Ecuador ranked fifth with 6.5mn tonnes exported in 2024, marking a sharp 12 per cent decrease, although the UN Comtrade database noted that its 2023 figure of 7.3mn tonnes is not yet finalised.
The US is the world’s sixth-largest exporter with 6.2mn tonnes, showing a 7 per cent increase on 2023, followed by Turkey (4.4mn tonnes) and Guatemala (4.3mn tonnes).
The United Nations Comtrade database aggregates detailed annual and monthly global trade statistics by product and trading partner for use by governments, academic institutions, research institutes, and businesses.
The data compiled by the United Nations Statistics Division covers approximately 200 countries and represents more than 99 per cent of global merchandise trade.
