Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in China remained stable, fluctuating around 78 000 thousand tons. During this period, regulatory focus was on labeling standards, with the continued enforcement of GB 7718-2011 requiring complete and accurate prepackaged food labels, including allergen declaration for gluten-containing grains like wheat. These measures aimed to ensure consumer transparency but did not significantly alter overall consumption volumes.

Market volume rose to 78 546 thousand tons in 2021, coinciding with the announcement of the new national standard GB/T 1355-2021 for wheat flour. The standard, set to take effect in 2023, introduced stricter quality classifications, set limits on fatty acid values, and banned bleaching agents, likely prompting producers to adjust output in anticipation. In 2022, volume stabilized at 78 512 thousand tons as increased wheat imports, reaching 199.2 billion jin with a high share from Australia, elevated raw material costs and tempered market expansion.

A significant jump in market volume to 80 933 thousand tons occurred in 2023 following the implementation of GB/T 1355-2021. The new standard emphasized nutritional health by prohibiting additives and raised flour extraction rates by 0.5% to 3%, enhancing production efficiency and boosting supply. Regulatory updates in 2024 further refined additive rules and fatty acid control to align with the quality framework established by the new standard.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals.

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 77,789 thousand tonnes of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals, showing little change from the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 78,567 thousand tonnes, then declined by 1.0% in 2019 before stabilizing in 2020.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, wheat, meslin flour, and cereals production in China rebounded in 2020. Output was valued at 31,567 million US dollars, marking a 5.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13.9%, averaging an annual decline of 4.9%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 30,020 million US dollars, with the sharpest drop of 11.7% recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from China

Exports in kind, K t

After rising for two consecutive years, China's exports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals declined in 2020. Export volumes reached 181.3 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp 40.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.1%, averaging 1.7% annually. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 304.7 thousand tonnes, following a substantial 61.2% increase in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, North Korea and Hong Kong together accounted for 95.4% of China's total exports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals by volume, with other countries making up a more diverse but smaller portion.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's export value of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals fell in 2020. Exports amounted to 73.6 million US dollars, a 37.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 117.6 million US dollars, after a 40.8% surge in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, North Korea and Hong Kong were the dominant buyers of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals from China, together representing 94.1% of total export value, while other partners played a minor role.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to China

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals into China showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 282.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.3-fold increase. In 2020, imports stood at 225.3 thousand tonnes, a 20.3% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase of 77.1% was observed in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Ukraine, Russia, and Kazakhstan—collectively accounted for 86.7% of China's total imports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, China's import value of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals declined in 2020. Imports totaled 87.1 million US dollars, a significant 14.6% drop from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 70.3%, averaging 19.4% annually. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 102.0 million US dollars, following a 50.9% rise in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Ukraine (46.6% of import value), Russia (23.9%), and Japan (10.9%) formed the primary group of sources for China's imports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals by value, together accounting for 81.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020