China leads global table grape exports at 857,000 tons as US remains top importer

GLOBAL – China has solidified its position as the world’s leading table grape exporter in 2025, shipping 857,000 tons, while the United States maintained its status as the top importer amid significant price fluctuations and overlapping supply schedules.

According to the 2026 International Table Grape Market Yearbook, global table grape exports totalled 5.11 million tons, valued at US$10.205 billion. China accounted for 17% of total volume, followed by Peru with 695,000 tons (14%) and Chile with 560,000 tons (11%).

China’s leadership is rooted in its consistent production growth over the past decade, which has progressively reduced its dependence on imports to meet domestic demand during off-season periods. China-Hong Kong’s share of global imports fell from 12% in 2016 to 4% in 2025, a direct reflection of the strengthening of domestic production.

Furthermore, the United States remains the world’s leading importer, accounting for 17% of international purchases, followed by Germany (7%), the Netherlands (6%), and the United Kingdom (5%).

The 2025/26 season in the US market was marked by greater overlap among suppliers, driven by earlier harvests in the United States and Mexico, as well as increased shipments from Peru.

On the other hand, performance varied by variety and country. In the seedless white grape sector, Peru increased its exports by 11% compared with the previous season, with spot market prices ranging from US$3.1 to US$4.9 per kilogram FOT. Chilean shipments of this variety declined by 15%, despite securing higher prices for much of the season.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s prices dipped to approximately US$2.5 per kilogram FOT. Peruvian seedless red grapes began the season priced over US$4 per kilogram FOT, driven by early demand and limited supply. Chile remained the main supplier of this variety during the late marketing period, with prices between US$2.5 and US$3.5 per kilogram FOT.

At the start of the season, Peruvian seedless black grapes traded below the seasonal average, a trend that persisted until week seven of the marketing season. Prices then rose as Peruvian supply fell and Chilean seedless black grapes gained market share in the US.

Moreover, these findings highlight a dynamic industry, with global supply chains being reshaped by China’s growing dominance and complex seasonal pricing trends.

Finally, the report highlights how shifting harvest windows and regional competition directly influenced the market value of red and black seedless grapes.

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