Lychee in Global Trade: A Sweet Export Hit from Asia

Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a niche premium fruit with an unusual appearance, a fragrance reminiscent of a blooming garden, and the taste of a juicy summer cocktail. In recent years, lychee has rapidly gained a foothold in international markets and captured the hearts of consumers — from Hong Kong to Paris. Today, it is no longer just an exotic curiosity but a significant player in the fresh fruit market.

With its floral aroma, vibrant color, and refreshing juicy pulp, lychee has won over millions of people around the world. Native to Southeast Asia, this “Instagrammable” fruit has long since outgrown its status as a local delicacy and has become a major export product for countries such as China, India, Madagascar, and Vietnam, according to EastFruit.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global lychee market is projected to reach USD 8.79 billion by 2028, driven by rising international demand and a production boom in the Asia-Pacific region.

Production and Export Geography of Lychee

China – the world’s largest lychee producer and exporter:

• Annual production: ~2 million tonnes

• Exports in 2020: USD 53.2 million; in 2021: over USD 63.3 million (Mordor Intelligence, OEC)

• Key growing regions: Guangdong (65% of national volume), Fujian, and Hainan

• Major export destinations: USA, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia

• Growth factors: development of new varieties, adoption of advanced agrotechnologies, and government support for logistics

Vietnam – steadily strengthening its global market position:

• Expected harvest in 2025: 303,000 tonnes (up 30% from 2024; VietnamPlus)

• Major production areas: Bac Giang, Hai Duong

• Certifications: VietGAP, GlobalG.A.P., and organic standards

• Main export markets: USA, Japan, EU

• Significant investments in quality improvement and logistics

India – one of the largest producers with mostly domestic consumption:

• Production: 726,000 tonnes (2021–2022 estimate, Businesswire India)

• Key growing state: Bihar

• Domestic consumption: 98–99%

• Growing export potential, particularly to Middle Eastern markets (ICAR)

Madagascar – a key supplier to Europe:

Madagascar has become the largest lychee exporter to the EU, thanks to strict quality control and efficient cold chain logistics.

• Annual exports to the EU: over 20,000 tonnes

• Main markets: France and Germany

Lychee is also grown in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where it contributes to regional supply and engages in international trade.

Imports and Consumption

The primary lychee importers are the USA, Canada, and European countries, which account for up to 80% of China’s lychee exports, according to Businesswire India. The rise in imports is driven by consumers’ appetite for diversity and growing interest in exotic and functional foods.

Quality Standards and Logistics

In Vietnam, for example, more than 17,000 hectares of lychee plantations have traceability codes, enabling the tracking of fruit origin. Exporting to the USA, EU, and Japan requires compliance with GAP and organic certification standards.

New Varieties and Seedless Lychee

Seedless lychee is gaining popularity due to its convenience and superior quality, making it ideal for the premium segment.

• In China, new high-yielding varieties like A4 and Nandao have been developed (up to 17 tonnes/ha in Hainan), with plans to expand cultivation to 3,333 hectares over the next 5 years

  

• In Vietnam, Ho Guom – Song Am successfully grows seedless lychee for export to Japan and the UK

• In Australia, farmer Tibby Dixon developed the country’s first seedless lychee variety

  

• Tropical Planet Nursery (Australia) offers seedless lychee seedlings

• GreenAgrove (Malaysia) sells fresh seedless lychee from China; Ross Creek Tropicals (Australia) promotes a variety called Sue Lin San with a pineapple aftertaste

Seedless and dried lychee, along with canned seedless lychee in syrup (e.g., Shirakiku brand), are available on platforms such as Amazon and H Mart.

Future Outlook for the Lychee Market

The Research and Markets report also highlights the growing market for processed lychee products, including juices, syrups, freeze-dried snacks, jellies, and sorbets.

Historical and Botanical Background

Lychee has a 2,000-year history in China and belongs to the Sapindaceae family, alongside rambutan and longan. The fruit, about 2.5 cm in diameter, has a strawberry-red peel and contains juicy translucent pulp surrounding a large inedible seed.

Nutritional Value of Lychee

Lychee is a nutrient-rich fruit:

• Vitamin C – nearly 9% of the daily recommended intake per fruit

• Copper – supports cardiovascular health and energy production

• Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health

Nutrition per 100 g of fresh lychee:

• Calories: 66 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16.5 g (natural sugars)

• Fiber: 1.3 g

• Protein: 0.8 g

• Fat: 0.4 g

• Water content: 82%

Important note: Unripe lychee contains toxic substances (hypoglycin A and MCPG) that may cause acute hypoglycemia, particularly dangerous for children when consumed on an empty stomach.

From Ancient Orchards to Global Shelves

From the ancient gardens of Guangdong to supermarket shelves in Kyiv, Paris, and New York, lychee is confidently expanding its reach across global markets and cultures.

The key to success for exporters lies in a commitment to quality, sustainable production, and alignment with international consumer standards.