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In 2024, China's food import sector witnessed an unexpected contraction, with total import value declining by 8.1% year-on-year, halting its previous growth trajectory. More strikingly, the volume of imported food products rejected by Chinese customs surged by 78.1% over the same period. These contrasting figures highlight changing dynamics in global trade and tighter food safety regulations.
Against this backdrop, ChemLinked releases A Look Back at 2024: China's Rejected Imported Food Review Report, offering a comprehensive dissection of the rejected shipments. Combining in-depth data analysis with actionable compliance guidance, the report equips global stakeholders critical insights for meeting China's evolving import requirements.
Decline in Import Value
According to the latest statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), the total value of food product imports into China fluctuated throughout 2024, reaching a substantial 1.341 trillion yuan. However, this represents an 8.1% decline compared to 2023, mainly attributable to restructured global supply chains, economic slowdowns, shift in consumer preferences, trade tensions and tariffs, etc.
China Food Import Value in 2024
A Surge in Rejections
According to the data from GACC, the number of food batches rejected by customs authorities has skyrocketed over the past year. This increase is largely attributed to heightened scrutiny of imported products, with a focus on food safety standards and regulatory compliance. From January to December 2024, over 4,200 food product batches were rejected, up from 2,358 in 2023.
China Food Import Rejections in 2024
Impact on Trade Partners
The surge in rejections has affected food exporters, with countries like the United States, Ecuador, and Japan facing the most significant increases in rejected shipments. While the overall volume of rejected food increased, the types of products involved also shifted, with a noticeable rise in rejections of meat, aquatic products, and alcoholic beverages.
Top 10 Exporters with the Most Rejected Food Batches in 2024
Regulatory Changes and Increased Scrutiny
China's food import regulations have grown increasingly strict, with new laws and updates to the GB food standards coming into effect in 2024. For instance, the release of the revised GB 2760-2024 Standard for Uses of Food Additives is expected to impact food labeling and ingredient usage requirements for imported products. These regulatory changes, coupled with growing public and government demand for higher food safety standards, have contributed to the rise in rejections.
To access more contents covered in this report, including the analysis of rejection reasons, the compliance recommendations and the regulatory updates, please click the download button at the end of this article.
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