China’s Manzhouli port ships 217,500 tons of fresh produce in eight months
Trade concentrated through Manzhouli reflects its role as the primary overland route for Chinese produce heading north and west.
CHINA – Fresh fruit and vegetables from across China reached overseas markets via Manzhouli, with 217,500 metric tons exported from January to August, valued at more than 1.5 billion yuan (approx. US$224 million), according to the Manzhouli Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station.
The station said it had inspected 242,000 inbound and outbound freight vehicle trips as of Tuesday, up 32.7% on the previous year, as refrigerated trucks carrying watermelons, mangoes, grapes, pomelos and tomatoes cleared border inspections and headed abroad.
Sun Bo, a cross-border fruit and vegetable trader, said Chinese produce is gaining popularity overseas for its quality and competitive prices, with orders rising each year.
In addition, Sun identified pomelos, tomatoes and green peppers as among the most popular exports, noting that their relatively long shelf life and versatility make them suitable for everyday household purchases and holiday sales in supermarkets, keeping demand steady throughout the year.
For exporters and logistics operators, the growth in freight traffic is the more telling indicator. A 32.7% increase in freight vehicle trips, alongside 217,500 tons of produce, suggests volume is driven more by higher shipment frequency than by larger individual loads.
That pattern reflects the perishable nature of the goods: freshness requirements favour more frequent, smaller consignments over consolidated shipments, which in turn raises the value of border efficiency and cold-chain reliability at the crossing point.
The product mix also helps explain steady demand. For instance, Pomelos, tomatoes, and green peppers are more durable than softer fruits and versatile across cuisines, making them less susceptible to seasonal demand swings in destination markets.
As a result, this reduces traders’ risk of unsold inventory and supports repeat orders from supermarket buyers who prioritize consistency over novelty.
Manzhouli is the country’s largest land port in northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Therefore, trade concentrated through Manzhouli reflects its role as the primary overland route for Chinese produce heading north and west.
Finally, for investors in cold-chain logistics, border inspection services and cross-border trading platforms, the port’s throughput growth signals sustained demand for capacity and efficiency improvements rather than a one-off seasonal spike.
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