China's Expanding Role in Global Horticultural Markets

As a relatively new member of the WTO and the world's largest horticultural producer, China has the potential to drive profound changes to patterns of international trade in horticultural products. China's horticultural exports have almost doubled in value over the past decade, its imports have increased by even more, and China is increasingly a net exporter of horticultural products. After adjusting trade data for irregularities in the reported trade between Hong Kong and mainland China, growth in China's exports and imports is discussed. Major traded products and markets will be identified. The paper then provides further analysis of China's trade in fresh apples, which have become the major fruit export, and in cut flowers which are a relatively new export product for China. This includes analysis of changes in China's competitive position and market shares relative to other suppliers of apples and cut flowers to foreign markets.