Which Country is the Largest Producer of Lychee in the World? Check List Here

Largest Producer of Lychee: China is the largest producer of lychee in the world, taking over 70% of production. The fruit is produced in the southern provinces of the country most prevalently, with Guangdong producing about 65% of the total production in China. The most popular lychee varieties are Wai Chee, Haak Yip, and No Mai Chee, which the people in China love to use and export.

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 Which country is the largest producer of lychee in the world?

China is the largest producer of lychee, with 70% of the production. While approximately 65% of China's total lychee production comes from Guangdong province, making it the country's top lychee-producing region. Places like Maoming are part of that success, with cultivated areas in extensive orchards based entirely on high-producing, high-quality lychees. Certain environmental conditions are great for lychees in these subtropical areas. The soils also contribute to higher fruit development and yield.  

How many lychees does China produce?

China produces around 2.8 million metric tonnes of lychees annually, which ranks it as the largest producer of lychees in the world. With the production of lychees, China has ample land prepared for cultivation with a focus on both the domestic food market and international exports.

Top 5 Lychee Producing Countries in The World

Note: These numbers are based on recent data from 2023–2024 primarily sourced from WorldAtlas.com and Mordor Intelligence.

1. China

The world's largest lychee-producing country is China, which produces around 2.8 million metric tonnes of lychee fruit each year. The lychee fruit primarily grows in the southern provinces of China: Guangdong, Hainan, and Fujian. According to sources, there are over 100 varieties of lychee fruit produced; the major varieties are Wai Chee, Haak Yip, and No Mai Chee.

2. India 

India is the second-largest producer of lychee and produces around 0.70 million metric tonnes of lychee each year, with the government estimating 0.70 million metric tonnes as the proper output. The country relies over 40% for lychee fruit on the state of Bihar. There are a number of varieties that are popular among farmers; many varieties originate from India, but those are usually known for their flavour/aroma: Shahi and China lychee.

3. Taiwan

Taiwan is the third largest producer, producing about 0.13 million metric tonnes of lychee. In Taiwan, lychee fruit is grown mainly in southern and central Taiwan, but they grew around 8 varieties with different cultivars not so commonly grown in China; the main cultivars are Haak Yip and No Mai Chee.

4. Thailand

The lychee production in Thailand sits at around 0.04 million metric tonnes of lychee each year. The only area of Thailand benefiting from their tropical climate is the greening region planted with the lychee fruit; mainly, they are grown in northern Thailand.

5. Vietnam

Vietnam produced about 0.03 million metric tonnes of lychee a year. Mainly the provinces in the north of Hanoi are for lychee; Bac Giang and Hai Duong are the main production provinces known for their high-quality lychee varieties used for export and local consumption.

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What Other Countries Produce Lychee? 

Other noteworthy lychee-producing countries outside of the top five include South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Australia. These countries grow lychees in suitable climates, add to the available supply, and, in many cases, grow trees for export markets.  

What's So Special About Chinese Lychees?

Chinese lychees are known for their juicy sweetness, strong aromas, and numerous cultivars. The country has a long-established lychee tree-growing tradition, with many high-quality cultivars being developed. The subtropical climate and excellent culture in agricultural production of lychee trees help increase the quality of Chinese lychees, making them in demand all around the world.

When is lychee season?

In China, lychee season is usually between May and July, with slight variations between regions and cultivars. Farmers have supplies to compete in the markets for domestic use and exports during this time. 

What Is Required For Lychee Development?

Lychee trees grow in a subtropical environment with warm temperatures and rainfall with a very good distribution. Best growth occurs with well-drained soils. Lychee requirement are frost-free. Certain horticulture practices such as pruning and controlling pests will help promote better growth and fruiting.

Facts About Lychee Production

1. China is the leading country producing lychee: China produces over 70% of the world's lychee, mainly due to the favourable growing conditions and land area to grow.

1. Bihar production appreciable: In India, the state of Bihar accounts for approximately 40% of India's production. Muzaffarpur is the recognisable district where the best quality lychees are produced. 

1. Varieties: China has over 100 lychee varieties grown along with variations in taste and type, many catering to both domestic and international markets.

1. Season: Lychees are generally seasonally available from May to July depending on region and variety; their generally desirable nature makes them popular in the summer months across various countries.

1. Export market: While China produced the highest volume of lychee, many other countries, such as South Africa and Madagascar, pay considerable attention to exporting lychee into the market in Europe and the Middle East.

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