China Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in china, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
Select Country Guide
Agriculture
Last published date:

China was the third-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2024 at $24.7 billion. Agricultural and food products face complex, opaque, and ever-changing regulations in China. The Chinese Government has also been known to leverage sanitary and phytosanitary concerns as a tool to restrict imports of agricultural products, often citing health or safety standards that are widely regarded as unfounded. Many of these challenges are detailed in the United States’ government National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report (see: 2025 NTE) and Annual Report on China’s WTO Compliance (see: 2024 WTO Compliance). However, opportunities still exist for several product categories due to the size of the market and growing disposable income of Chinese consumers.

China’s Agricultural Imports

China’s imports of agricultural products from all origins in 2024 decreased to $237 billion from $255 billion in 2023, according to Chinese government customs data. The decline is attributed to a rebound in domestic production, large inventories which depressed demand, economic headwinds, and falling global commodity prices. China’s top agricultural imports in 2024 were soybeans at $52.8 billion, followed by seafood products at $22.1 billion, forest products at $18.1 billion, fresh fruit (mostly tropical fruit) at $15.9 billion, beef and beef products at $13.9 billion, and dairy products at $12.3 billion. The top exports of U.S. agricultural and related products in 2024 to China were soybeans, cotton, coarse grains (excluding corn), beef and beef products, forest products, seafood products, poultry and poultry products, pork and pork products, tree nuts, and dairy products.  China continues to look for new suppliers of agricultural products to diversify their sources; however, the top five agricultural and related product suppliers to China – Brazil, the United States, Thailand, Australia, and Indonesia – represented roughly 50 percent of the market share over the last five years.

Tariffs

The Chinese government imposed additional import tariffs on many U.S. food and agricultural products in response to the United States’ Section 232 and 301 trade actions in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Beijing also announced additional retaliatory tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on March 4, 2025, on 740 tariff lines, or approximately 85 percent of current U.S. agricultural exports to China. These tariffs are in addition to the retaliatory tariffs the Chinese government placed on all U.S. products. Importers can apply for exclusions from the Section 301 retaliatory tariffs through the tariff exclusion process, though other tariffs will remain in place. USDA has published reports related to retaliatory tariffs including the most recent round in the USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN). 

Trends in the Chinese Consumer Market

Chinese consumers, when making food and beverage purchasing decisions, are primarily focused on quality, health/functionality, and convenience. Although price is a determining factor given current economic headwinds, consumers are generally willing to pay a premium for high-quality items. While companies are engaged in fierce competition to provide the best value for their customers, retail products are also increasingly marketed to highlight their functionality or health benefits. China’s aging population has created new opportunities for what is called the “silver economy” in some product segments. In other product categories, retailers as well as restaurants are also focused on pre-packaged, ready-to-eat/cook products mainly targeting urban millennial and gen-Z consumers who seek convenience, are increasingly discerning, and value experiences. As Chinese food manufacturers and restaurants adapt to these trends, there are new opportunities for suppliers who can offer variety, meet price points, and complement additional ingredients. Aside from traditional retail, e-commerce and livestreaming are major channels for imported food and beverage products. Livestream sales account for almost 20 percent of all retail Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) in China and experienced a 35.2 percent year-on-year growth in 2023.

Products with Potential Growth

The USDA has identified the following product categories of consumer-oriented products that have strong growth potential over the next few years. The Chinese market shows an increasing demand for the following products:

  • Private Label Products
  • Ready-to-Eat Products
  • Tree nuts and processed fruits
  • Cheese
  • Variety Meats
  • Heat-treated Chicken Paws
  • Dog and Cat Food
  • Wine, spirits, and craft beer

For additional information on market trends, please see USDA’s most recent GAIN reports.

USDA-Endorsed Trade Shows

The USDA endorses trade shows that provide the best international exposure and marketing opportunities for U.S. companies and producers. The Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), a branch of the USDA stationed in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, works with show organizers and other partners to create a “USA Pavilion” to showcase the variety and quality of made-in-America products to potential foreign buyers. FAS also provides participating companies with marketing and promotion services, market intelligence, logistical support, and on-site assistance. 

USDA-endorsed trade shows in China include: 

  • SIAL China
  • Food Ingredients China
  • Food and Hospitality China 

Exporter Assistance

FAS provides a range of information for those interested in exporting and programs to help build markets for U.S. agricultural products. Those interested in exporting food and agricultural products to China should review the Exporter Guide and the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) country and certificate reports, which are published annually by FAS. Exporters are encouraged to frequently access the FAS Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) for any updates to the listed reports as well as for product specific market updates.

Potential and current exporters are encouraged to directly contact the Agricultural Trade Offices (ATOs) in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenyang for specific market information relevant to the regions covered by the respective offices. For any inquiries related to regulations or trade issues, exporters should contact the Office of Agricultural Affairs located at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. 

Resources

The FAS website features general information about trade shows and other promotional venues to showcase agricultural products, FAS-sponsored promotional efforts, export financing and assistance, and a directory of registered suppliers and buyers of agricultural, fishery, and forestry goods in the United States and abroad. 

The FAS Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) includes a wide range of reports on agricultural markets, market intelligence, trade policy issues, and regulations.  GAIN reports are published by FAS foreign service officers and locally engaged staff in over 90 overseas offices. 

The FAS Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS) provides users with current and historical data on international trade in agriculture, fish, forest, and textile products.  

The FAS Production, Supply, and Distribution Online (PS&D) provide data on production, supply, and distribution of agricultural commodities for the United States and key producing and consuming countries.