There are approximately 1,700,000 tonnes of lychee produced in Asia. Total production in the Southern Hemisphere (mainly Africa, Madagascar and Australia) is around 50,000 tonnes. There are also small industries in the USA and south America. This is the reverse situation to the avocado, indigenous to central America, which is popular in northern, central and southern America, and much of Africa. The largest producers in Asia are China (1,000,000 tonnes), India (430,000 tonnes) Taiwan Province of China (110,000 tonnes), Thailand (85,000 tonnes) and Viet Nam (40,000 tonnes). Further expansion is occurring in these as well as other countries to meet demand generated by the increasing regional affluence. In some of the traditional growing countries of Asia, production is easily outstripped by local demand, although expansion is limited by available horticultural land. In Southeast Asia, there are about 50,000 tonnes of lychee traded as fresh fruit during the season. Thailand is a major exporter, although longans are more important. Trade is important and expanding in China, Taiwan Province of China and Vietnam. Fresh fruit
dominates trade, although there are also exports of dried and canned fruit. In contrast, about 15,000 tonnes are exported to Europe from Madagascar and South Africa.