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.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
·
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) shares his outlook on the developing U.S.-China Trade agreement, and the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown—now stretching past four weeks—on rural communities and producers.
October 31, 2025 01:35 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the Carney-Xi meeting could mean for Canadian producers.
October 31, 2025 01:29 PM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
The Livestock Conservancy joins us in the RFD-TV Studio to discuss how protecting heritage-breed poultry is essential to resilient food systems and the preservation of agricultural traditions.
October 31, 2025 12:59 PM
·
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
