Market
Dried jujube ("red date"), produced by drying fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, is a processed fruit product with global supply heavily concentrated in China, with smaller commercial production reported in a limited set of other countries. International trade data typically does not isolate jujube at HS-6 level and is often captured under residual dried-fruit codes (e.g., HS 0813.40 "other dried fruit, n.e.s."), so trade-flow figures are best treated as indicative rather than product-specific. Demand is anchored in East Asian culinary and traditional-use consumption (snacking, teas/infusions, soups/desserts) and in diaspora and specialty retail channels, with growing e-commerce distribution. Key market dynamics include quality differentiation by cultivar/size and drying method, and shipment risk driven by moisture control, contamination management, and China-centric supply exposure.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries- ChinaProduction concentration widely reported as overwhelmingly China-dominant (often cited as >95% of global production), with major producing provinces/regions including Xinjiang and several northern provinces.
- South KoreaCommercial cultivation reported; generally secondary to China in global volume.
- IranCommercial cultivation reported; generally secondary to China in global volume.
Major Exporting Countries- ChinaPrimary global origin for dried jujube supply; trade is frequently recorded under HS 0813.40 (other dried fruit, n.e.s.) where jujube is not uniquely identified at HS-6 level.
Major Importing Countries- United StatesCommon destination market for China’s HS 0813.40 exports (indicative for dried-jujube trade when classified under this residual code).
- VietnamCommon destination market for China’s HS 0813.40 exports (indicative; HS-6 residual code not jujube-specific).
- GermanyCommon destination market for China’s HS 0813.40 exports (indicative; HS-6 residual code not jujube-specific).
- JapanCommon destination market for China’s HS 0813.40 exports (indicative; HS-6 residual code not jujube-specific).
- Hong KongCommon destination market for China’s HS 0813.40 exports (indicative; HS-6 residual code not jujube-specific).
Supply Calendar- China (Xinjiang):OctA Xinjiang orchard case study reports a late-October harvesting period; drying converts the crop into a storable product enabling year-round export availability subject to inventory and storage conditions.
Specification
Major VarietiesHuizao, Hamazao 1, Qiyuexian (Qi Yue Xian)
Physical Attributes- Derived from Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba; also called red date/Chinese date)
- Typically traded as whole dried fruit with reddish-brown skin and a wrinkled surface; pit-in is common, with optional pitting/slicing for some segments
Compositional Metrics- High soluble solids/sugars are a key quality driver for dried-jujube eating quality; buyers commonly specify moisture and sweetness-related parameters
- Drying temperature and method influence browning and nutrient retention, affecting color and perceived grade
Grades- Commercial grading commonly emphasizes size/count, uniform color, low defect rate (cracks, insect damage), and moisture control; exact grade nomenclature varies by buyer and origin standard
Packaging- Moisture-barrier retail pouches and bulk cartons/liners are common for international shipments; inclusion of desiccant and robust sealing is used to limit moisture uptake
ProcessingHygroscopic (quality degrades with moisture uptake), requiring low-humidity storage and packaging with strong moisture barrierColor/browning control is a frequent buyer focus; some products may use anti-browning additives where permitted
Risks
Supply Concentration HighGlobal supply is heavily concentrated in China (often cited as >95% of production), so weather shocks, policy changes, logistics disruptions, or regional production issues in China can quickly tighten availability and raise prices for dried jujube buyers globally.Use multi-supplier qualification across Chinese regions/cultivars, maintain safety stock for peak-demand periods, and validate secondary origins where feasible for risk diversification.
Plant Health HighJujube witches’ broom (caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi') is described in the scientific literature as a highly destructive disease threatening the jujube industry, creating upstream yield and quality risk that can propagate into dried-product availability and price volatility.Monitor origin-region phytosanitary status and orchard management programs; diversify sourcing away from outbreak hotspots and require traceability to managed orchards.
Food Safety MediumDried fruit supply chains face recurring risks tied to pesticide residues, contaminant control, and allergen/additive disclosure (e.g., sulfites when used for anti-browning), which can trigger border rejections and recalls if specifications and lab verification are weak.Specify residue/contaminant testing plans, require compliant additive declarations, and align supplier HACCP/FSMS controls with internationally recognized standards and buyer requirements.
Quality Degradation MediumMoisture uptake during storage or shipment can drive texture softening/stickiness, mold risk, and insect infestation, reducing saleable yield and increasing claims in long-distance trade.Use moisture-barrier packaging, verify final moisture targets, deploy desiccants where appropriate, and implement humidity control and inspection at receiving.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCustoms classification can be inconsistent because dried jujube is frequently recorded under residual categories (e.g., HS 0813.40), and further processing (e.g., sugar-preserved/candied) may shift classification to different chapters, increasing the risk of misdeclaration and delays.Confirm HS classification with customs brokers for each destination market and clearly document processing state (dried only vs sugar-preserved) in commercial and regulatory documentation.
Sustainability- Water stewardship in arid production zones where oasis agriculture is prominent (e.g., Xinjiang), with exposure to irrigation and basin-level water-management constraints
- Energy intensity and emissions footprint of industrial hot-air drying operations compared with sun-drying, with quality–energy trade-offs
FAQ
Which country dominates global jujube production used for dried jujube supply?China dominates global jujube production, with multiple reviews and industry sources commonly citing that the vast majority of global output is concentrated in China; this concentration makes China the primary origin for dried jujube supply.
Why is it difficult to find jujube-specific global trade statistics for dried jujube?Dried jujube is often recorded under residual dried-fruit customs codes such as HS 0813.40 ("other dried fruit, n.e.s."), which aggregates multiple fruits in a single HS-6 category, so HS-6 trade figures are not uniquely jujube-specific.
What is the single most disruptive biological risk for the jujube supply base?Jujube witches’ broom disease is described in scientific literature as a highly destructive disease threatening the jujube industry, creating a high-severity risk for upstream yields and downstream dried-product availability.