Top 10 Lychee Producing Countries in 2025: Global Leaders, Trends, and Future Prospects
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is one of the world’s most famous subtropical fruits, prized for its distinctive flavor, delicate texture, and health benefits. Native to Southeast Asia, the fruit has grown from a regional delicacy to a major export, with global consumption soaring over the past decade. In 2025, lychee production will continue to be driven by climatic conditions, traditional farming expertise, scientific innovation and international trade flows.
According to preliminary estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2024), global lychee production is expected to exceed 3.1 million metric tons in 2025, an increase of 6.7% from 2020. The market is overwhelmingly led by Asian countries, but notable contributions come from Africa, Australia, and Latin America.
This article presents an analytical ranking of the top 10 lychee-producing countries in 2025, examines the driving factors, and explores global trends and prospects.
Global production snapshot
By 2025, Asia will account for more than 90% of global lychee production, with China, India, and Vietnam leading the way. Africa remains the only other continent with significant commercial production, primarily from Madagascar, South Africa, and Mauritius.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Production (2025, metric tons) | Share of World (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,020,000 | 64.7 |
| 2 | India | 700,000 | 22.4 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 170,000 | 5.4 |
| 4 | Thailand | 65,000 | 2.1 |
| 5 | Madagascar | 44,000 | 1.4 |
| 6 | Bangladesh | 39,000 | 1.3 |
| 7 | South Africa | 18,000 | 0.6 |
| 8 | Mauritius | 11,000 | 0.4 |
| 9 | Australia | 8,000 | 0.3 |
| 10 | Mexico | 6,500 | 0.2 |
Comment:
China, India and Vietnam together account for over 92% of global production. While China remains unchallenged, India’s production has grown steadily due to government-supported horticultural initiatives. Vietnam continues to expand its export share, particularly to Japan, the EU and North America.
Country Profiles: The Global Leaders
1. China
China is by far the world’s largest producer of lychees, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global production. Major growing provinces include Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan, where favorable subtropical climates, fertile soils, and centuries-old growing traditions support extensive orchards.
2025 Production: 2,020,000 metric tons Key Regions: Guangdong (the “Lychee Kingdom”), Guangxi, Hainan Exports: China primarily supplies its huge domestic market, but exports are growing, particularly to Southeast Asia and North America.
Expert Insight:
“China’s dominance in lychee is based on scale and diversity – from small family farms to modern high-density orchards,” says Dr. Zhang Wei, fruit crop researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
2. India
India, the world’s second largest producer, is known for premium varieties such as Shahi, China and Bombai. Bihar alone accounts for nearly 70% of India’s production, with significant expansion in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and Jharkhand.
2025 Production: 700,000 metric tons Key Regions: Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura, Assam Exports: Middle East, Europe and South East Asia.
Key statistic: Over 40% of India’s litchi is exported as fresh fruit, making it an important cash crop for small farmers.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam’s lychee production, centered in Bac Giang and Hai Duong, has gained global recognition for both volume and quality. Vietnamese lychees are celebrated for their sweetness, thin skin and vibrant color.
2025 Production: 170,000 tons Main regions: Bac Giang, Hai Duong Exports: Japan, EU, USA, Australia.
Quote:
“Vietnam’s export model is a benchmark for post-harvest technology and branding” – Nguyen Van Hung, Director, Vietnam Fruit & Vegetable Association.
4. Thailand
Thailand’s production has stabilized in recent years after earlier declines, thanks to new disease-resistant varieties and improved orchard management. The main producing regions are in the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun).
2025 Production: 65,000 metric tons Exports: High domestic consumption, with growing shipments to China and Singapore.
5. Madagascar
Madagascar stands out as Africa’s top producer and a world leader in exports, especially to the European Union. The country’s lychee season (November-January) allows it to capture the lucrative European winter market.
2025 Production: 44,000 metric tons Exports: 70% of production is exported, mainly to France, Germany and the Netherlands.
6. Bangladesh
Lychee cultivation is a traditional and expanding industry in Bangladesh, with northern regions such as Dinajpur and Rajshahi leading the way. The fruit’s popularity in domestic markets is matched by emerging export opportunities.
2025 Production: 39,000 metric tons Exports: Middle East, UK (Bangladeshi diaspora).
7. South Africa
South Africa’s warm subtropical areas (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal) produce high quality lychees for local consumption and export, especially during the southern hemisphere summer.
2025 Production: 18,000 tons Exports: Europe, Middle East, Russia.
8. Mauritius
Despite its small land area, Mauritius has developed a reputation for sweet, aromatic lychees. Favorable trade relations and a unique harvest window drive its exports.
2025 Production: 11,000 metric tons Exports: Europe, Indian Ocean islands.
9. AUSTRALIA
Australia’s lychee industry, concentrated in Queensland and northern New South Wales, supplies both domestic and niche export markets. The country is a leader in post-harvest technology and phytosanitary controls.
2025 Production: 8,000 metric tons Exports: New Zealand, United States, Asia.
10. MEXICO
Mexico is the leading producer in the Americas, with commercial orchards in Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas.
2025 Production: 6,500 metric tons Exports: United States, Canada.
Trends and market drivers
Expansion of lychee cultivation
- New Producers: Several countries in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia), Africa (Mozambique, Kenya), and the Mediterranean (Israel, Spain) are experimenting with commercial lychee production.
- Climate change: Higher temperatures and variable rainfall present risks and opportunities for crop yields.
- Scientific advances: Improved varieties, better pest management and post-harvest technology are boosting yields and reducing losses.
Export Growth & Logistics
- Export Demand: The EU, US, Canada and Japan are the fastest growing lychee import markets in 2025.
- Cold Chain Investment: Advances in refrigeration, rapid airfreight, and modified atmosphere packaging are extending shelf life and enabling longer export journeys.
Consumer Trends
- Health Awareness: Lychee is increasingly promoted for its vitamin C, antioxidant and fiber content.
- Premiumization: There is a growing demand for branded, traceable and certified (organic, fair trade) lychees.
Data Block: Lychee Export Leaders 2025
| Country | Estimated Export Volume (metric tons, 2025) | Main Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | 31,000 | EU (France, Germany), Russia |
| Vietnam | 60,000 | Japan, US, EU, China |
| South Africa | 15,000 | EU, Middle East |
| China | 30,000 | SE Asia, US |
| India | 25,000 | Middle East, UK, SE Asia |
Expert Perspectives
“The future of global lychee production lies in export logistics, disease-resistant varieties and market branding. Countries that invest in quality assurance and cold chain infrastructure are best positioned to take advantage of growing international demand.”
– Dr. Asha R. Menon, Senior Horticultural Scientist, International Fruit Research Council
“We see increasing competition, especially as new regions such as Latin America and Israel expand commercial plantings, but Asia’s experience and favorable climate will keep it dominant for the foreseeable future.”
– Pierre Moreau, Fruit Import Director, FranceAgriMer
Challenges ahead
Climate and environmental risks
- Pests and diseases: Increasing outbreaks of fruit borers and fungal infections.
- Weather extremes: Late frosts and heavy rains have caused crop losses in recent years.
- Land Use Change: Urbanization and shifting agricultural priorities may reduce lychee acreage in some traditional regions.
Quality & Traceability
- Export Markets: Stricter pesticide residue and traceability regulations in the EU and North America.
- Post-harvest losses: Despite improved handling, losses due to spoilage remain a concern, especially in less developed markets.
Future Outlook
With annual growth projected at 3.5% through 2030 (FAO, 2024), global lychee production is poised for further expansion, especially as consumer markets diversify. Key areas of investment will include
- Scientific research: Developing new varieties with improved durability and resilience.
- Sustainable agriculture: More growers are adopting organic and climate-smart practices.
- Value addition: Processing into juices, jams and dried lychee products offers additional export opportunities.
Conclusion.
The lychee will remain a symbol of subtropical horticultural excellence and economic opportunity for millions of growers. In 2025, China and India maintain their global leadership, but countries such as Vietnam, Madagascar and South Africa are proving dynamic in exports and innovation. The key to future growth is adaptation – from climate resilience to supply chain modernization.
Sources
FAOStat (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations): https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC
International Society for Horticultural Science: https://www.ishs.org/
Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Indian National Horticultural Board
Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
South Africa Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
FranceAgriMer
Industry interviews and 2024 expert forecasts
