Voluntary Report - public distribution

**Date:** 6/15/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** CH5045

CH5045

**China, Peoples Republic of**

**Asparagus**

**Annual**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Maurice W. House

U.S. Embassy Beijing

**Prepared by:**

Adam Branson and Casey E. Bean

**Report Highlights:**

China\'s export oriented asparagus industry remains strong and presents
a competitive threat to the U.S. despite weather related production
declines in 2005 that forced procurement prices higher. During 2005,
China is forecast to produce 400,000 metric tons of asparagus and export
\$100 million of fresh and jarred/canned asparagus. Short-term effects
of the production decline are likely to result in less asparagus on the
domestic market and possibly some decreases in individually, quick,
frozen (IQF) asparagus exports. Mid-term production increases are
forecast as grower management improves and plants age and begin
producing more commercially. China's asparagus consumption is forecast
to grow while future exports to the world remain flat, but increase to
the U.S. Improved marketing methods helped China's asparagus industry
competitiveness both domestically and abroad.

Includes PSD Changes: Yes

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Beijing \[CH1\]

\[CH\]

Table of Contents

[**Executive Summary 3**](#executive-summary)

[Weather and Land Constraints Limit Production
3](#weather-and-land-constraints-limit-production)

[Exports to the Rest of the World Declining, but Growing with the U.S.
3](#exports-to-the-rest-of-the-world-declining-but-growing-with-the-u.s.)

[Production Levels Remain Far Lower Then FAOstat Data
3](#production-levels-remain-far-lower-then-faostat-data)

[Shandong Asparagus Situation 4](#shandong-asparagus-situation)

[Shanxi Asparagus Production 4](#shanxi-asparagus-production)

[Fujian Asparagus Production 4](#fujian-asparagus-production)

[Development of Industry Standard Arises
4](#development-of-industry-standard-arises)

[Industry and Labs Interested in Asparagus Chemical and Heavy Metal
Residues
5](#industry-and-labs-interested-in-asparagus-chemical-and-heavy-metal-residues)

[Long-Term Asparagus Consumption Growth Forecast
5](#long-term-asparagus-consumption-growth-forecast)

[Tax Policy Changes Hold Little Impact on Vegetable Production
5](#tax-policy-changes-hold-little-impact-on-vegetable-production)

[Marketing Improvements Helping Asparagus Industry Competitiveness
6](#marketing-improvements-helping-asparagus-industry-competitiveness)

[Marketing Channels Streamlining 6](#marketing-channels-streamlining)

[Innovations in Food Product Marketing Incorporate the Internet
6](#innovations-in-food-product-marketing-incorporate-the-internet)

[Asparagus Purchasing Preferences 6](#asparagus-purchasing-preferences)

[Fresh and Canned/Jarred Asparagus Exports Remain Near \$100 Million
7](#fresh-and-cannedjarred-asparagus-exports-remain-near-100-million)

[Production, Supply, and Demand (PSD) Estimate
8](#production-supply-and-demand-psd-estimate)

[Fresh Asparagus Export Prices Surging in 2005 while Jarred Prices
Remain Stable
8](#fresh-asparagus-export-prices-surging-in-2005-while-jarred-prices-remain-stable)

[Monthly Export Tables by Volume and Value for Fresh and Jarred
Asparagus
9](#monthly-export-tables-by-volume-and-value-for-fresh-and-jarred-asparagus)

[Asparagus Exports to the World Declining but Growing with the United
States
10](#asparagus-exports-to-the-world-declining-but-growing-with-the-united-states)

# Executive Summary

## Weather and Land Constraints Limit Production

FAS China forecasts China's planted asparagus area increased since the
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) last reported asparagus planting acreage
and production in 2002, but that mid- to long-term acreage should remain
stable as land constraints are high. Asparagus growers were hurt by a
combination of factors over the past several years, leading towards
nationwide asparagus industry stabilization. For example, prices fell in
2003 when product could not be harvested or exported during SARS and
weather problems in 2004 and 2005 resulted in small yields and poor farm
returns. From mid-April through the beginning of May 2005, industry
sources report unfavorable weather in key production areas of Shandong,
Shanxi, and Fujian provinces reduced production by as much as thirty
percent from 2004. There has also been some land being removed from
production.

Prospects for mid- to long-term production volumes should increase as
plants age and grower management improves. Realization of the mid- to
long-term production increase forecast will largely depend on climate
conditions.

## Exports to the Rest of the World Declining, but Growing with the U.S.

Post forecasts 2005 individually, quick, frozen (IQF) asparagus exports
may decline sharply and jarred/canned asparagus will decline slightly.
Fresh asparagus exports, despite the production decline, should increase
over last year owing to better management, higher quality, and more
attractiveness to foreign buyers. The industry recorded stable exports
for the past several years valued at over \$100 million per year,
however this does not include IQF asparagus as there is no Harmonized
Tariff System (HTS) code available. Industry sources believe mid- to
long-term trade in IQF asparagus will grow quickly, but export levels
will remain lower than jarred/canned asparagus exports.

# Production Levels Remain Far Lower Then FAOstat Data

FAS China analysis indicates (see USDA FAS GAIN report CH3135) a large
discrepancy between FAOstat reports for asparagus acreage and production
and reality. MOA officers responsible for vegetable policy and
production analysis also recognize FAOstat numbers overstate asparagus
acreage and production. For example, the FAOstat data suggests asparagus
acreage amounts to 5 percent of total vegetable acreage and 4 percent of
total vegetable production. MOA's last available asparagus production
acreage and volume data is from 2002. At that time, acreage estimates
were 42,980 hectares (Ha) with production of 507,900 metric tons (MT).

FAS China analysis concludes that weather problems caused production to
decline in each of the past several years. Industry sources indicate
2005 asparagus production may decline by as much as thirty percent in
key production areas from 2004 owing to unfavorable weather conditions
in mid-April through mid-May that shortened the harvest period in some
key areas by two weeks. China's principal asparagus producing provinces
remain in a few concentrated areas within Shandong, Shanxi, and Fujian.
A few new green asparagus growing areas have emerged in Hebei, Anhui,
and around Beijing and Shanghai. However, production in these new areas
is only now developing and it should be some time before larger yields
are achieved. Sources indicate asparagus yields range from 7.5 MT per Ha
on marginal lands to 15 MT per Ha under ideal conditions.

FAS China forecasts slow overall growth in asparagus production though
grower management improvements and new, better seeds have been adopted.
Nationwide planting acreage should remain stable, as some land is added
and other land is taken out of production.

## Shandong Asparagus Situation

In ideal production years, as much as three-quarters of China's
asparagus production may originate from a few centralized areas of
Shandong province: Heze (mostly white asparagus), Jiuxian and Rizhao
(both produce green asparagus). Shandong agricultural officials reported
2004 provincial planted area was roughly 30,000 Ha and production volume
was less than 400,000 MT; of which 85 percent was white. Spring harvest
of white asparagus lasts from late-April through early July and
occasionally employs laborers at a cost of \$1.50 per day whereas green
asparagus harvest, mostly conducted by individual growers, in Jiuxian
and Rizhao usually lasts from late-April through early July. Sources
indicate the bulk of the northern asparagus Spring harvest is completed
between twenty to thirty days in May.

Field surveys and government sources indicate farmers receive up to
\$.75 per kg for green asparagus sold fresh and exported and from \$.18
to \$.50 per kg for white or green asparagus that will be sold for IQF
or jarring. Farm surveys suggest farmers do not intend to plant more
asparagus or switch land to grain crops at this time.

## Shanxi Asparagus Production

The Shanxi Asparagus Industry Association reported in *China Canned
Food* 2005 Issue No. 1 that provincial planting acreage was 13,333 Ha
and the city of Yongji, a production base located near the Shaanxi and
Henan borders, accounts for forty percent of provincial acreage and
produced 35,000 MT; of which eighty percent was used for
jarring/canning. The association also reports yields are low and that
ninety percent of the provincial planting is with F2 seeds. Furthermore,
the association reported two Spanish companies invested in asparagus
processing in the province. News reports indicate Hejian, another
production base in Western Shanxi, has large sections of land planted
with asparagus along the Yellow River. There is also some processing
conducted in cooperation with an Australian company whose product
appears to be both sold domestically and exported. Another large Shanxi
asparagus processor appears to be exploring production of asparagus
candies and beverage drinks.

## Fujian Asparagus Production

Industry sources report Fujian provincial asparagus production is
located in the outlying regions of Xiamen, primarily Zhangzhou (2,000 Ha
in 2004 with production volume of 20,000 MT), and consists primarily of
white asparagus that is harvested over two seasons (Spring: April to
July, Fall: September through October). A few exporters in the area
report they are having a difficult time sourcing asparagus and are
unwilling to quote FOB export prices at this time. Sources indicate
grower prices are much higher than last spring with growers receiving
around \$.38 per kg of exceptional quality asparagus and \$.31 to \$.34
per kg of medium quality asparagus.

## Development of Industry Standard Arises

The "Wu Gong Hai" or Wholesome Foods Standard (see GAIN CH2032) appears
to have been unofficially adopted as the industry standard for asparagus
production. Local level agricultural officials as well as packers and
processors provide growers with training on the type and kinds of
agricultural inputs permitted while retailers often report to consumers
that their products meet the "Wu Gong Hai" standard.

## Industry and Labs Interested in Asparagus Chemical and Heavy Metal Residues

An independent residue analysis laboratory in China's vegetable export
hub of Qingdao reports a range of chemical residues are often found on
agricultural products in China that would not normally be associated
with controlling pests or disease for the commodity of concern. The lab
reports its tests on white and green asparagus did not find levels
exceeding allowable levels and that levels were less than one part per
million for tests of Atrazine, Biphenyls, Carbendazim, Dichlofluanid,
Diphenylamine, Myclobutanil, and p,p'-DDE.

Industry members have expressed concern with Chinese produced vegetable
exports due to the higher levels of metals (e.g. lead) that are
sometimes found. FAS China does not have any indication on what levels
are permitted nor those that may have been found.

# Long-Term Asparagus Consumption Growth Forecast

China's per capita consumption of all vegetables is high (urban
residents 122 kg/per person), but despite being the world's largest
asparagus producer, per capita asparagus consumption is small. Present
production shortfalls most likely result in less asparagus showing up on
store shelves for domestic consumers.

Industry sources expect fresh, IQF, and possibly jarred/canned asparagus
consumption will grow over the next three to five years as domestic
distribution channels improve and urban incomes rise. This will not
immediately impact trade, but rather likely reduce waste.

Urban residents appear more willing to consume a greater variety of
fresh vegetable foods and "healthy" foods such as asparagus. Lifestyle
changes, such as the increasing number of work hours for urban residents
could mitigate at-home consumption increases of fresh asparagus over the
long-term unless food preparation becomes easier. As such, although many
Chinese do not favor consuming preserved/packaged vegetables it is
conceivable IQF or jarred asparagus consumption will increase. At the
same time, rising incomes allow for more meals outside of the home and
if incorporated onto the menus of the growing number of Western or even
Chinese restaurants, asparagus consumption should grow.

# Tax Policy Changes Hold Little Impact on Vegetable Production

Fresh and IQF asparagus exports are eligible for a 5 percent export
refund and canned/jarred asparagus are eligible for a 13 percent export
refund. Industry sources report they apply for and receive the export
refund that was created under China's 1994 National People's Congress
approved Foreign Trade Law Article 34 allowing the government to "adopt
various promotion measures to develop foreign trade including issuing of
import and export credits and setting up of export refunds (chukou
tuishui)."

Recent elimination of the agricultural tax and the specialty product
agricultural tax for producers by China's State Council had minor impact
on vegetable production and trade.

Provincial, county, and municipal governments adoption of economically
friendly policies (e.g., time based tax free periods for foreign
investors, tariff free export processing zones, and accelerated
depreciation allowances) enhance trade to third countries for a wide
number of agricultural processed goods. The subsidy value is difficult
to calculate because each area operates independently and the effect of
the subsidies ultimately depends on the business value of each
enterprise operating in the area.

# Marketing Improvements Helping Asparagus Industry Competitiveness

## Marketing Channels Streamlining

Processed horticultural product trade used to be extremely opportunistic
and relied on numerous agents and brokers before consolidating a
commercial sale for processors or exporters. Marketing channels are now
streamlining with fewer middlemen and more direct interaction between
exporters, processors and growers. Vegetable exports, especially
asparagus exports, appear increasingly competitive on the global market.

Processing companies and trading enterprises are now increasingly
involved with directing horticultural production to corporate standards.
Although agreements are not contractual, the arrangement is something
similar to contract farming. This process sometimes includes providing
seeds and instruction to farmers. Furthermore, it often involves
processors and traders actively managing procurement and processing
during harvest. For example, during harvest periods, industry sources
report fresh asparagus is harvested two to three times a day and taken
daily from farms to centralized buyers at the township/village level.
Asparagus buyers combine their purchases with buyers from other villages
and ship the asparagus to packinghouses and processors for cleaning,
sorting, and other pre-treatment before either being exported
immediately or placed in cold storage until flights depart for the
export destination. The process appears similar for export-oriented
jarred/processed and IQF asparagus although they may often store jarred
asparagus for year-round shipment.

Asparagus that is consumed on the domestic market may often be a
residual product that packinghouses sent to wholesale markets because it
did not meet export grades. Asparagus (and other vegetables) that reach
wholesale markets may be purchased by restaurants or agents who buy
large volumes of a wide variety of vegetables and then pack the
vegetables in plastic trays and plastic wrap for domestic retail stores
and grocery chains. Note: exceptional grades of asparagus can
occasionally be found on the domestic market.

## Innovations in Food Product Marketing Incorporate the Internet

With increasing domestic competition for export markets, numerous
Chinese manufacturers and traders of IQF and canned or jarred asparagus
are listing products on commission free business-to-business (B2B) and
related English language Chinese hosted websites. The largest and most
well known website, free for viewers and potential buyers, allows
non-Chinese domestic enterprises to list up to five products for free
while charging Chinese enterprises RMB40,000 (U.S.\$4842) to list
products. The web pages provide company information and product details
including commodity origin, payment terms, minimum order volume,
packaging and other product features.

## Asparagus Purchasing Preferences

A survey of hypermarkets in Qingdao and Beijing revealed only a few
stores stock fresh or jarred asparagus and that most fresh asparagus is
only seasonally available. Stores carried jarred white asparagus;
produced in compliance with China's voluntary National Standard for
Jarred Asparagus (GB/T13208-1991), in 330-gram sizes containing
205-grams of asparagus for \$.72 to \$.82 per jar. One store carried
canned white asparagus packaged under an Australian label in a 430-gram
can containing 270-grams of asparagus for \$.71. In mid-May, retail
hypermarkets in Qingdao and Beijing offered fresh green asparagus
bundled in plastic trays of 0.25 to 0.4 kg for a retail price ranging
from \$1.81 to \$3.62 per kg. Most store packages were sized and priced
to result in a package worth about \$.80. In early February, fresh
asparagus at farmer's markets in Jiangsu province sold for \$1.57 per kg
while Yunnan produced asparagus sold for \$.52 per kg.

Industry sources and exporters report fresh green asparagus exports are
shipped loose in upright cartons or in bundles of three or five stalks
per bundle. IQF green asparagus exports are often in bulk poly-vinyl
bags. Jarred white asparagus exports are often in a couple of different
jar sizes for retail use; e.g., size 212 to Japan and size 370 to Europe
which, industry sources report, hold 110 grams to 190 grams of
asparagus, respectively. Increasingly, traders and asparagus
manufacturers report they are beginning to produce asparagus under
private label for European retailers.

# Fresh and Canned/Jarred Asparagus Exports Remain Near \$100 Million

China exports fresh (HTS079020) and processed asparagus (HTS200560)
throughout the year with the highest volumes of fresh asparagus exports
occurring from May through October with spikes in December. Processed
exports occurring primarily from June through September, with stable
exports continuing through December. China Customs data for IQF
asparagus is consolidated with IQF garlic cloves, certain IQF mushrooms,
and other IQF vegetables not elsewhere specified (HTS07108090). Thus the
detail is not specific enough to provide a reliable indicator of trade
volume or value.

In each of the past two years, the Qingdao customs area registered over
80 percent of all fresh exports and 70 percent of all processed exports.
The Xiamen customs area recorded over 20 percent of all processed
asparagus exports. Qingdao and Xiamen export origins should only be
considered a general indicator of where the asparagus originated as
domestic transit of horticultural products is growing and the two export
hubs may often store processed products produced from other regions.

Asparagus imports are minimal with 20 MT of processed asparagus entering
China in the first four months of 2005 from Spain and the U.S. China
imported 9 MT of fresh asparagus from Thailand in 2003 and in 2004
"imported" 64 MT from bonded trade zones within China.

Industry processors and traders report a preference for dealing with
Japanese buyers, but that the market potential for jarred and IQF
exports remains flat. Exporters preference for Japanese buyers
reportedly stems from their reliability as customers who want a stable
supply of high-quality produce whereas European and North American
buyers are inclined to buy on price and may frequently change suppliers.
Industry sources report, however, they are increasingly looking for new
buyers in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., and that these areas
present the best prospects for new sales. Traders provided FOB 2005
reference prices in mid-May ranging from \$1700 to \$1800 per MT of IQF
green asparagus and upwards of \$2100 per MT for jarred white asparagus
to Europe. Customs recorded average FOB export prices for jarred
asparagus are much lower and in the range of \$1000 per MT. Customs
recorded FOB fresh export prices have climbed quickly over the last
three months with average export prices reaching \$2730 per MT in April.

# Production, Supply, and Demand (PSD) Estimate

  -------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  PSD Table                                                                     

  **Country**          China,                                                   
                       Peoples                                                  
                       Republic of                                              

  **Commodity**        Asparagus,                                    (HA)(MT)   
                       Fresh                                                    

                       2003         Revised    2004       Estimate   2005       Forecast

                       USDA         Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post
                       Official     Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate
                       \[Old\]      \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]

  **Market Year                     01/2003               01/2004               01/2005
  Begin**                                                                       

  Area Planted         0            60000      0          66000      0          66000

  Area Harvested       0            45000      0          45000      0          50000

  TOTAL Production     0            600000     0          587500     0          411250

  Imports, Fresh       0            10         0          64         0          50

  TOTAL SUPPLY         0            600010     0          587564     0          411300

  Exports, Fresh       0            1687       0          1624       0          1800

  Domestic Fresh       0            288323     0          285940     0          109500
  Market                                                                        

  For Processing       0            310000     0          300000     0          300000

  TOTAL UTILIZATION    0            600010     0          587564     0          411300
  -------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

# Fresh Asparagus Export Prices Surging in 2005 while Jarred Prices Remain Stable

Fresh asparagus export prices vary widely throughout the year with lows
of \$1.03 per kg in October 2004 to a high price of \$2.73 per kg in
April 2005. Processed export prices exhibit greater stability with lows
of \$0.92 in February to \$1.05 in June 2004.

  --------------- ------ ------ ------ -- --------------- ------ ------ ------
  China\'s                                China\'s                      
  Average Export                          Average Export                
  Price of Fresh                          Price of                      
  Asparagus                               Processed                     
  (070920) in                             Asparagus                     
  \$/Kg                                   (200560) in                   
                                          \$/Kg                         

                  2003   2004   2005                      2003   2004   2005

  January         1.16   1.15   1.04      January         0.98   0.99   0.96

  February        1.05   None   0.96      February        1.00   0.92   0.96

  March           1.45   1.12   1.31      March           1.00   1.00   1.00

  April           1.58   1.60   2.73      April           1.02   1.01   0.97

  May             1.33   1.49             May             1.04   1.04   

  June            1.35   1.42             June            0.95   1.05   

  July            1.27   1.36             July            0.92   0.99   

  August          1.11   1.03             August          0.93   1.02   

  September       0.95   1.21             September       0.99   1.01   

  October         1.09   1.08             October         0.91   1.00   

  November        1.24   1.10             November        0.98   0.98   

  December        0.90   1.39             December        0.96   1.00   

  Average         1.16   1.31             Average         0.96   1.01   
  --------------- ------ ------ ------ -- --------------- ------ ------ ------

# Monthly Export Tables by Volume and Value for Fresh and Jarred Asparagus

  --------------- ------- ------- ------ -- --------------- --------- -------- --------
  China\'s Fresh                            China\'s                           
  Asparagus                                 Processed                          
  (070920)                                  Asparagus                          
  Exports by                                (200560)                           
  Month to the                              Exports by                         
  World in Metric                           Month to the                       
  Tons                                      World in Metric                    
                                            Tons                               

                  2003    2004    2005                      2003      2004     2005

  January         25      75      92        January         4,243     5,083    6,174

  February        94      0       88        February        3,240     3,891    4,782

  March           44      133     30        March           3,962     5,685    4,840

  April           77      98      134       April           2,869     4,137    3,577

  May             192     306               May             7,467     7,611    

  June            161     253               June            17,527    12,498   

  July            243     191               July            15,307    12,336   

  August          230     119               August          12,476    12,175   

  September       152     114               September       11,348    10,421   

  October         179     147               October         9,059     7,956    

  November        41      83                November        7,681     7,969    

  December        250     105               December        8,986     7,831    

  Sum             1,687   1,624   344       Sum             104,166   97,592   19,373
  --------------- ------- ------- ------ -- --------------- --------- -------- --------

  --------------- ------- ------- ------- -- --------------- -------- -------- --------
  China\'s Fresh                             China\'s                          
  Asparagus                                  Processed                         
  (070920) Export                            Asparagus                         
  Value to the                               (200560) Export                   
  World by Month                             Value to the                      
  in \$Millions                              World by Month                    
                                             in \$Millions                     

                  2003    2004    2005                       2003     2004     2005

  January         0.029   0.086   0.096      January         4.16     5.011    5.912

  February        0.099   0       0.084      February        3.241    3.591    4.600

  March           0.064   0.149   0.039      March           3.951    5.697    4.848

  April           0.122   0.157   0.364      April           2.918    4.162    3.471

  May             0.255   0.457              May             7.773    7.92     

  June            0.218   0.36               June            16.588   13.108   

  July            0.308   0.259              July            14.061   12.224   

  August          0.255   0.123              August          11.597   12.363   

  September       0.145   0.138              September       11.242   10.543   

  October         0.195   0.159              October         8.289    7.919    

  November        0.051   0.091              November        7.529    7.828    

  December        0.224   0.146              December        8.62     7.838    

  Sum             1.965   2.125   0.583      Sum             99.969   98.204   18.831

  Source of data:                            Source of data:                   
  China Customs                              China Customs                     
  --------------- ------- ------- ------- -- --------------- -------- -------- --------

# Asparagus Exports to the World Declining but Growing with the United States

Note: 2005 trade is for January through April.

  ------------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- -------------- -----------
  China\'s                                                                                                              
  Fresh                                                                                                                 
  Asparagus                                                                                                             
  (079020)                                                                                                              
  Exports by                                                                                                            
  Destination                                                                                                           
  in Metric Ton                                                                                                         
  and                                                                                                                   
  \$Million,                                                                                                            
  sorted by                                                                                                             
  2004                                                                                                                  

  **Rank**      **Country**   **2002**                 **2003**                 **2004**                 **2005-YTD**   

                              **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**     **Value**

                World         2,073        2.850       1,687        1.965       1,624        2.125       344            0.584

  1             Japan         301          0.498       171          0.287       400          0.721       136            0.380

  2             Germany       1,105        1.559       688          0.880       396          0.472       24             0.018

  3             Spain         225          0.222       421          0.395       317          0.293       32             0.028

  4             Belgium       109          0.158       46           0.040       240          0.229       37             0.036

  5             Netherlands   202          0.290       181          0.176       157          0.200       103            0.106

  6             United States 29           0.023       73           0.053       49           0.074       7              0.010

  7             Italy         53           0.044       47           0.070       21           0.028       0              0.000

  8             Korea, South  0            0.000       0.19         0.000       12           0.026       2              0.004

  9             United        0            0.000       0            0.000       9            0.056       0              0.000
                Kingdom                                                                                                 

  10            Malaysia      0.4          0.000       1            0.000       8            0.001       0              0.000

  All           Others        50           0.055       58           0.064       15           0.026       3              0.002

  Source of                                                                                                             
  data: China                                                                                                           
  Customs                                                                                                               
  ------------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- -------------- -----------

Note: 2005 trade is for January through April.

  ------------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- -------------- -----------
  China\'s                                                                                                              
  Processed                                                                                                             
  Asparagus                                                                                                             
  (200560)                                                                                                              
  Exports by                                                                                                            
  Destination                                                                                                           
  in Metric Ton                                                                                                         
  and                                                                                                                   
  \$Million,                                                                                                            
  sorted by                                                                                                             
  2004                                                                                                                  

  **Rank**      **Country**   **2002**                 **2003**                 **2004**                 **2005-YTD**   

                              **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**   **Value**   **Volume**     **Value**

                World         106,866      107.92      104,166      99.97       97,592       98.20       19,372         18.83

  1             Spain         31,545       35.21       28,825       30.57       34,237       38.50       2,608          2.97

  2             Germany       29,441       25.39       25,195       20.22       21,749       18.02       4,585          3.95

  3             Netherlands   17,602       17.04       20,535       18.24       7,637        7.27        1,882          1.85

  4             France        7,560        8.41        8,041        8.80        7,556        7.83        3,506          3.51

  5             Belgium       1,429        1.35        1,773        1.65        5,845        5.42        1,393          1.27

  6             Japan         5,380        7.40        4,922        6.63        4,845        6.51        1,080          1.39

  7             Denmark       2,816        1.89        2,953        1.93        2,707        1.73        760            0.48

  8             Sweden        1,414        1.10        1,443        1.25        1,677        1.31        638            0.55

  9             Australia     1,376        1.95        1,681        2.23        1,492        2.03        471            0.61

  10            Brazil        1,005        1.16        857          0.83        1,234        1.15        182            0.16

  11            Italy         1,430        1.33        1,288        1.20        1,209        1.19        391            0.37

  12            United States 519          0.57        1,114        1.18        1,122        1.16        339            0.35

  13            Norway        765          0.63        657          0.54        697          0.56        147            0.11

  14            Canada        425          0.53        578          0.71        684          0.89        148            0.20

  15            Indonesia     406          0.30        602          0.44        544          0.40        125            0.10

  All           Others        3,753        4           3,700        4           4,358        4           1,117          0.96

  Source of                                                                                                             
  data: China                                                                                                           
  Customs                                                                                                               
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