China leads global blueberry production as Yunnan expansion drives Southeast Asia exports
Chinese blueberries are becoming more competitive in Southeast Asian markets due to lower pricing and improved quality.
CHINA – China has become the world’s largest blueberry producer, with cultivation area expanding from approximately 66,400 hectares in 2020 to more than 105,000 hectares in 2025, while production increased to 810,000 tons, according to a report published by Xinhua in April.
Several factors enabled China to become the world’s leading blueberry producer. Yunnan Province more than doubled its blueberry cultivation area and production between 2020 and 2025 through improved agricultural techniques and technology developments.
As a result, higher production in Yunnan, China’s main blueberry-growing region, has supported both domestic consumption and export availability.
Chinese blueberries are becoming more competitive in Southeast Asian markets due to lower pricing and improved quality. Consumers in Singapore reported that Chinese blueberries are priced 30% to 50% below fruit from Australia and Japan.
“Chinese blueberries offer an unmatched combination of freshness, year-round availability and accessible pricing,” said Quinn Lu, senior manager at Dezan Shira & Associates.
Additionally, enhanced logistics networks and trade agreements have significantly impacted Chinese fruit exports. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership provides trade facilitation measures, while the China-Laos Railway has reduced transport times and helped maintain fruit quality during shipment.
On the other hand, Chinese blueberries are becoming increasingly popular abroad because they are priced much lower than competitors from Australia or Japan.
Demand has increased in Southeast Asia because climatic conditions are generally not suitable for large-scale blueberry production due to the crop’s winter chilling requirements. This natural disadvantage creates a growing dependency on China’s year-round supply, which China is leveraging through favourable trade agreements to solidify its dominance in regional fruit trade.
Customs data show that in April, during the first quarter of 2026, exports totalled US$38.8 million, compared with US$50.8 million during all of 2025 and US$23.1 million in 2024.
The rapid growth trajectory from US$23.1 million in 2024 to US$38.8 million in just the first quarter of 2026 indicates that Chinese blueberry exports are still accelerating. Yunnan’s production is still expanding, and logistics routes are still maturing.
Chinese oranges and grapes have also helped build familiarity with Chinese fruit among consumers in the region, creating a platform for blueberries to follow.
China has built that trust over the years. New entrants to the Southeast Asian market will need to do the same. That takes time, investment, and consistent quality. China has already made that investment. The returns are visible in the April export data.
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