Pumpkin Seed Market Overview
Pumpkin Seed Market Overview
Pumpkin seeds are cultivated across a wide range of regions in China, primarily in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Gansu. Among these, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia have rapidly developed into emerging production areas in recent years, known for their high yield and excellent quality.
Varieties
The main pumpkin seed varieties include:
• Shine-skin pumpkin seeds
• Snow-white pumpkin seeds
• “Meirenjia” (Beauty Shell) pumpkin seeds
• Hull-less pumpkin seeds
Planting and Production Situation in Recent Years
In 2024, the actual planting area of pumpkin seeds reached 2.51 million mu, with a total output of 400,000 tons.
• Total export volume: 130,000 tons
• Shine-skin pumpkin seed prices ranged from ¥10.6 to ¥18 per kg
• Snow-white pumpkin seeds remained relatively stable at ¥16–18 per kg
• “Meirenjia” pumpkin seeds maintained a high price range of ¥21–25 per kg, driven by strong export demand
In 2025, the planting area declined significantly to 1.26 million mu, a decrease of approximately 50%.
• “Meirenjia”: 350,000 mu, yield about 60,000 tons
• Shine-skin: 660,000 mu, yield about 110,000 tons
• Snow-white: 250,000 mu, yield about 40,000 tons
Major Growing Regions
- Xinjiang – 76% share
• Key areas: Tacheng, Bole, Altay, and Yili and surrounding regions - Inner Mongolia – 15% share
• Key areas: Bayannur, Siziwang Banner, Wuchuan, etc. - Gansu – 8% share
• Key areas: Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Guazhou, etc. - Other regions – 1% share
Price Forecasts (2025):
• Shine-skin pumpkin seeds: ¥15–16/kg
• Snow-white pumpkin seeds: around ¥16/kg
• “Meirenjia”: ¥14–18/kg
These trends are influenced by national grain reserve subsidy policies and the low prices in the previous year. However, due to a slight reduction in planting area, a moderate price increase is possible.
Market Analysis
Both the sunflower seed and pumpkin seed markets are influenced by various factors.
• The sunflower seed market experiences significant price fluctuations, exposing farmers to higher risks.
• In contrast, the pumpkin seed market is relatively stable, with prices affected mainly by changes in planting area and yield.
Overall, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are important agricultural commodities whose production directly impacts the agricultural market and food processing industries.
Investors and industry professionals should closely monitor market trends and adjust their planting and sales strategies accordingly to remain competitive.
