Statistics Handbook Highlights Growth in Asia Trade

Summary

The 2026 Asia Fruit Data Handbook, an annual statistical guide to fresh produce trade in Asia produced by Asiafruit, was released at the Asiafruit Knowledge Centre during Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. The handbook shows that Asia's fresh fruit trade continued to expand in 2025, with total regional imports up nearly 10 percent year on year to 19.2 million tonnes, valued at US$32 billion (about RMB 213.734 billion). China holds a dominant position in Asia as both a major exporter and importer, with exports of apples, citrus, table grapes and pears rising 8 percent to 5.1 million tonnes, mainly to South and Southeast Asian markets.

Counter-seasonal temperate fruit from the Southern Hemisphere accounted for nearly two-thirds of this trade, surging 17 percent to 3.3 million tonnes, with Chilean cherries, South African citrus, Australian grapes and New Zealand kiwifruit the core growth engines. Among major national markets, Japan's fruit imports were dominated by bananas at 1 million tonnes, with imports of oranges, mandarins, avocados, grapes and apples also growing significantly; South Korea's overall fruit imports fell 6 percent, but avocados, blueberries and cherries all achieved strong growth. Across the region, strong growth in avocados, cherries, kiwifruit, grapes and other premium fruit categories highlights substantial market opportunities beyond traditional bulk products.

Commentary

The continued expansion of Asia's fresh fruit trade offers structural opportunities for New Zealand SMEs. Regional imports grew nearly 10 percent to 19.2 million tonnes in 2025, with counter-seasonal Southern Hemisphere fruit contributing two-thirds of trade volume. New Zealand kiwifruit, as a core growth engine, confirms the strong position of brands such as Zespri in premium markets.

However, Chilean cherries and Australian grapes are also growing significantly, and competitive pressure should not be overlooked. China, as the region's largest importer, saw its exports of apples, citrus and other fruits rise 8 percent to 5.1 million tonnes, indicating a shift from a pure importer to a two-way trade hub, which could squeeze New Zealand fruit's share in Southeast Asian markets. Japan's market is dominated by bananas, but premium categories such as avocados and blueberries are growing strongly, offering differentiated entry points for New Zealand berry and avocado exporters.

South Korea's overall imports fell 6 percent, but avocados, blueberries and cherries grew against the trend, showing resilient consumer demand for high-quality fruit. New Zealand SMEs should focus on Asian market preferences for premium, counter-seasonal fruit, leverage tariff advantages under the New Zealand-China free trade agreement, strengthen brand storytelling and cold-chain logistics capabilities, while remaining alert to price competition from Chinese domestic fruit exports.

Keywords: Asia Fruit Data Handbook, fresh fruit trade, import volume, China exports, premium fruit, New Zealand kiwifruit, Asia Fruit Logistica, Southern Hemisphere fruit, avocado, cherry

Source: Asia Fruit Logistica