Although there are no formal grade standards, highly valued roots are disease-free, old, have a rough surface and are large and variously shaped. Wild ginseng commands the highest price in Asian markets. Yields Production statistics for ginseng are difficult to find. The main exporting countries, in decreasing order of production, are China, Korea, the US, Canada and Japan. Markets Hong Kong is currently the major world centre for ginseng trade.
Red ginseng is produced in Korea and production is closely regulated by that government.
Currently, production areas of ginseng are increasing rapidly both in North America and China. One of the main constraints to production in these traditional areas is disease, which has decreased the size of the root produced as growers harvest younger and younger roots. New Zealand growers could well command a market niche if they could grow larger, older roots. Ginseng roots grown in the forest also command high prices because they resemble wild ginseng. Another market niche exists if ginseng could be successfully grown in New Zealand plantation forests.