由 caicai8478 I. Overview of China’s cold chain food exports
In recent years, the scale of China’s cold chain food exports has continued to expand. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China’s total cold chain food exports reached approximately US$45 billion in 2022, an increase of 12.5% over 2021. The main export categories include aquatic products, meat, fruits, dairy products and frozen foods, among which aquatic products account for the largest proportion, accounting for approximately 35% of the total export volume.
II. Analysis of major export markets
- Asian market (accounting for about 60%)
Japan: China’s largest cold chain food export destination, especially favoring China’s aquatic products and quick-frozen vegetables
South Korea: Demand for frozen fruits and prepared foods in China is growing rapidly
Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.): With the expansion of the middle class, demand for frozen meat and fruit in China has surged
Hong Kong: As a transit station, a large number of Chinese cold chain foods are re-exported to the world through Hong Kong
- European and American markets (accounting for about 25%)
EU: There is a stable demand for Chinese aquatic products and quick-frozen fruits and vegetables, but the technical barriers are high
USA: Mainly imports frozen seafood and prepared foods from China, and quick-frozen pastries have grown significantly in recent years
- Emerging markets (accounting for 15%, growing rapidly)
Middle East: The UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries have a strong demand for halal cold chain foods
Russia: Imports of frozen meat and fruit from China are increasing year by year
Africa: South Africa, Nigeria and other countries have begun to increase imports of cold chain foods from China
III. Analysis of growth trends
- Market trends
The Asian market continues to dominate: it is expected to maintain a share of more than 60% in the next five years, with an annual growth rate of about 8-10%
Emerging markets are accelerating growth: the annual growth rate of the Middle East and African markets may reach 15-20%
RCEP dividends are released: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will promote China’s cold chain food exports to member countries
- Product trends
The proportion of high value-added products has increased: the export growth rate of pre-prepared dishes and prepared foods is higher than that of traditional frozen products
Increasing demand for organic and green foods: organic cold chain foods that meet international certifications are more popular
Category diversification: from traditional aquatic products and meat to dairy products, quick-frozen pastries, etc.
- Technological Trends
Cold Chain Technology Upgrades: Ultra-low Temperature Freezing, Modified Atmosphere Packaging, and Other Technologies Enhance Product Competitiveness
Digital Traceability Systems: Technologies such as Blockchain Enhance Food Safety Credibility
Green Cold Chain Development: Energy-saving and Environmentally Friendly Cold Chain Logistics Equipment Empower Exporters with a Competitive Advantage
IV. Challenges and Recommendations
Main Challenges:
Continuously Improving International Food Safety Standards
High Cold Chain Logistics Costs
Increasing Uncertainty in the International Trade Environment
Development Recommendations:
Strengthen Obtaining International Certifications to Improve Product Compliance
Optimize the Cold Chain Logistics Network to Reduce Transportation Costs
Develop Differentiated Products to Avoid Homogeneous Competition
Leverage Cross-border E-commerce to Expand into Small Business and Consumer Markets
Focus on Market Opportunities in Countries Along the Belt and Road Initiative
V. Future Outlook
It is projected that by 2025, China’s cold chain food exports are expected to exceed US$60 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 8-10%. With the continuous advancement of cold chain technology and the continued expansion of international markets, China’s cold chain food exports will develop towards high quality and high value-added, further consolidating its position in the global supply chain.