China's position as the world's foremost meat importer has been unshaken since 2019, despite witnessing a dip in the volume of imported meat. The nation's import numbers in 2022 were notably higher, exceeding the imports of the second-largest importer, Japan, by 43 percent. A convergence of factors such as disease outbreaks,dha sick leave certificate stringent environmental regulations, and the departure of small-scale farmers has placed constraints on China's domestic meat production, leading to an increase in local meat prices and a subsequent rise in import incentives.
Pork, being the most favored meat in China, has a significant influence on the country's meat market dynamics. The African swine fever epidemic of 2019 had a drastic impact on China's pork supply,fia food ingredients asia propelling the country to the top spot for meat imports, overtaking Japan. Although pork production has since recovered and meat imports have decreased, China's status as the leading meat importer persisted into 2022.
In addition to pork, there has been a growing demand for beef in China. The country's capacity to produce beef has been hindered by longer production cycles, scarcity of grazing land,simple innovative product ideas for students and persistent health issues in cattle herds, making it difficult to satisfy the domestic market's appetite for beef.
The consumption of poultry is also on an upward trajectory, driven by its affordability compared to other meats. However, escalating feed costs and disease outbreaks have led to higher poultry prices within the country, further promoting the import of poultry.
Although meat consumption in China seemed to reach its peak around 2014, statistical models and trend analyses project a continued growth in consumption through 2031. This growth is attributed to shifts in dietary preferences and a moderate increase in income and pricing among Chinese consumers.
The onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the economic downturn that followed in 2022 took a toll on meat consumption and import prospects in China. Persistent challenges such as disease risks and elevated feed costs, which erode the profitability for China's livestock industry, continue to influence the market.
The insights presented in this article were initially featured in the USDA's Economic Research Report titled China’s Meat Consumption: Growth Potential, published in July 2023. This report underscores the complex interplay of factors shaping China's meat market and its enduring role as the world's largest meat importer.
