NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — China’s shift toward animal protein consumption continues reshaping global feed and meat markets, with rising purchases of meat, eggs, and dairy closely matching declines in cereal grain consumption.
Retired USDA Economist Dr. Fred Gale reports Chinese household survey data show per capita cereal grain purchases fell from 138.9 kilograms in 2013 to 110.6 kilograms in 2024, while purchases of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy rose from 59.8 kilograms to 88.1 kilograms over the same period. The near one-to-one shift reflects broader dietary change as incomes rise and food preferences evolve.
Pork remains dominant in China’s protein mix despite growth in beef and mutton demand and steady egg consumption. Poultry and fish purchases have plateaued in recent years, while urban dairy consumption has declined since 2021, even as rural dairy consumption rises. Rural households have largely closed the gap with urban consumers in pork, poultry, and egg consumption.
Survey data show the shift accelerating in recent years, including a sharp drop in cereal purchases in 2024, while vegetable and fruit consumption also increased alongside protein demand.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
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