The 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) just concluded on Nov. 10 in Shanghai. During the expo the Deputy Director of CIIE Sun Chenghai revealed that the contracts inked over the course of this year’s CIIE totaled to some 71.13 billion US dollar, increasing 23% compared to 2018.
CIIE 2019 attracted over 3000 exhibitors from more than 150 countries/regions. The number of exhibitors and participating countries exceeded last year. Among the 7 major exhibition areas, food and edible agricultural products still occupied the largest area, and also had the most exhibitors (approximately 2000) and participating countries (120+). Multiple global food giants also took part in CIIE this year, including Nestle, Danone, Fonterra and etc.
During the opening ceremony held on Nov. 5, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech, underscoring that China would further open the market and optimize its business environment. President Xi sincerely welcomed enterprises around the world to see the huge potential of the market in China.
With reference to “China Food Import Report 2019” released during the 2019 China Imported Food Industry Summit (a conference held in tandem with CIIE), China’s food import value surged to 73.6 billion US dollar in 2018, translating to a YoY growth of 19.3% compared with 2017. Additionally, the categories of food became more diversified and the countries exporting food to China increased from 170 to 185 in 2018.
 2014-2018 China Food Import Value |  2017 & 2018 numbers of countries/regions of origin |
The importation of aquatic products, meat and dairy products ranked in the top 3 among all 17 major imported food categories, these imports reached 12.2 bn US dollars, 11.1 bn US dollars and 10.6 bn US dollars respectively. The import value of infant formula milk powder accounted for 45.17% of all dairy import in 2018.
Importation of food from New Zealand ranked No.1 reaching a valuation of 6.4 bn US dollars in 2018, representing 8.8% of the total value of all food import. Chile boasted the most rapid growth clocking in an impressive increase of 50% compared to the previous year, jumping 3 places to No. 10 in the list of China’s most important food exporters.
Proportions of China’s food import value and YoY ratio by countries/regions of origin
In order to further facilitate food trade, Gu Zhengbiao, vice president and professor of Jiangnan University, suggested that the competent authority should promote bilateral recognition of food management systems between China’s trade partners.
We provide full-scale global food market entry services (including product registration, ingredient review, regulatory consultation, customized training, market research, branding strategy). Please contact us to discuss how we can help you by 
