China produces more than India, the United States, and Brazil combined, who rank second, third, and fourth respectively. Still, China is far from self-sufficient. In 2025, the country imported approximately 185 billion euros worth of food and agricultural products, compared to exports of about 90 billion euros. The country imports significantly more food and agricultural products than it exports.
Dependence
Soybeans (used as animal feed) especially illustrate this dependence. Last year, China imported nearly 112 million tons of soybeans, valued at over 50 billion dollars. Meat, grains, vegetable oil, fruit, nuts, and dairy products are also imported on a large scale. Brazil has become an important supplier in this regard.
Beijing is trying to reduce its dependence on foreign food producers. Efforts involve not only producing more domestically but also diversifying import sources. China aims, among other things, to be less reliant on the United States and is actively seeking alternative suppliers.
Promotion
Modernization
Producing more within the country is not easy. Available farmland is limited, and water scarcity also poses a problem. China is therefore attempting to yield more food from the same amount of land through better seeds, more modern machinery, more efficient irrigation, and new farming techniques.
Food Prices
At the same time, risks on the international food market are increasing. The FAO warns that food prices could rise again by the end of this year. Higher oil and natural gas prices, more expensive fertilizers, and disruptions in diesel supply increase costs for farmers, transporters, food processors, and other companies.
El Niño adds to these concerns. Changing rainfall patterns can impact harvests in several key agricultural areas. In India, a delayed monsoon is already raising worries about rice production. Australia also expects a 21 percent decline in its winter harvest, partly due to higher fuel and fertilizer costs.
Geopolitics
For China, this combination means that significant domestic agricultural production does not offer full protection against international developments. The country remains dependent on the global market for substantial amounts of food and agricultural raw materials, while geopolitical conflicts, higher production costs, and unfavorable weather conditions increase uncertainty in those markets.