""

Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 10/14/2003

**GAIN Report Number:** CH3823

CH3823

**China, Peoples Republic of**

**Exporter Guide**

**Annual**

**2003**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Ross Kreamer

#### U.S. Consulate

**Prepared by:**

Ralph Bean

**Report Highlights:**

In 2002, China imported over \$10.5 billion worth of agricultural
products, of which roughly 25% was imported from the U.S. As incomes
continue to rise, imports are also likely to continue. Processed and RTE
foods continue to gain ground as wealthy urban consumers seek new ways
to save time. Younger, more consumption-oriented Chinese are also
starting to have more impact as they join the work force.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Shanghai ATO \[CH2\]

\[CH\]

Table of Contents

[Section I. Market Overview 3](#section-i.-market-overview)

[I.1. Economic Situation 3](#i.1.-economic-situation)

[I.2. Demographic Developments 3](#i.2.-demographic-developments)

[I.3. Consumer Buying Habits 3](#i.3.-consumer-buying-habits)

[I.4. Consumer Foods Market Size and Growth
4](#i.4.-consumer-foods-market-size-and-growth)

[I.5. Advantages and Challenges Facing U.S. Suppliers of Food Products
to China
5](#i.5.-advantages-and-challenges-facing-u.s.-suppliers-of-food-products-to-china)

[Section II. Exporter Business Tips
5](#section-ii.-exporter-business-tips)

[II.1. Local Business Customs 5](#ii.1.-local-business-customs)

[II.2. Consumer Tastes 6](#ii.2.-consumer-tastes)

[II.3. Regulatory Framework 7](#ii.3.-regulatory-framework)

[Section III. Market Sector Structure and Trends
7](#section-iii.-market-sector-structure-and-trends)

[III.1. Food Retail 7](#iii.1.-food-retail)

[III.2. Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional (HRI)
8](#iii.2.-hotel-restaurant-and-institutional-hri)

[Section V. Key Contacts and Further Information
10](#section-v.-key-contacts-and-further-information)

[Appendix 1. Statistics 11](#appendix-1.-statistics)

# 

# Section I. Market Overview

## I.1. Economic Situation

Despite the impact of SARS and the global economic downturn, China's
economy continues to grow at an estimated rate of 8%. Maintaining high
growth rates continues to be the government's top priority. This has
been supported by high levels of foreign direct investment and continued
growth in exports. Long term growth is likely to continue, particularly
in 2005, when China will allow 100% foreign ownership of enterprises in
China. It should be noted that, while China has a large trade surplus
with the United States, its overall balance of trade is only slightly
positive; China runs deficits with some of its other trading partners,
such as Japan. Concerns about the economy include the generally weak
condition of China's banking system, and the possible emergence of a
real-estate bubble in key cities such as Shanghai.

## I.2. Demographic Developments

Although China has relaxed restrictions on the movement of rural
residents, the largest cities continue to restrict employment and
housing for unlicensed migrants. In addition, production costs in the
major metropolitan areas have risen rapidly. The result has been a boom
in the growth of second and third-tier cities across China, particularly
in developed coastal areas such as Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu
provinces. Many of these often-overlooked emerging city markets have
populations in the millions, with average incomes that are rapidly
approaching those of cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. For
more information on emerging-city markets in East and Central China, see
ATO's report [Emerging Markets in East and Central China]{.underline}
(CH3818).

Another important demographic element is the generational pattern to
buying habits, centering on three distinct groups. While the older two
generations (those born in 1946-1964, and those born 1965-1976) display
certain differences, both are price sensitive and more conservative. The
most recent generation of consumers (those born after 1976), however,
have embraced a consumption-oriented lifestyle, and are much more
willing to spend money and experiment with novel products and tastes.
These consumers are gaining rapidly in importance, as they become income
earners in their own right. Generational consumption patterns are
examined in greater depth in ATO's report, [Market Generation: China's
New Consumers]{.underline} (CH2835).

## ![](media/image2.wmf)I.3. Consumer Buying Habits

Total consumer expenditures increased by 5.8% in 2002, slightly faster
than 2001. This is likely to slow somewhat in 2003, reflecting the
impact of SARS, which led many consumers to shun crowded indoor malls
and avoid travel for several months. The week-long May Day holiday was
also cut short to discourage travelers. The impact on food spending was
less clear. While wet markets and malls suffered considerably, smaller
retail venues, particularly convenience stores, actually experienced an
increase in sales. Likewise, while sales of meat and seafood declined
sharply, fruit and vegetable sales soared. Long-term consumption is
expected to grow, supported by a combination of massive deficit spending
on the part of the government, and policies that encourage home buyers,
private car sales and domestic tourism.

Generational distinctions aside, Chinese consumers tend to be
conservative and price sensitive when it comes to personal spending.
Exceptions to this rule include spending on education, medical care,
gifts and entertainment, and children. The greatest successes for
high-end U.S. food products have been those aimed at hotels and
restaurants (seafood and beef, for example), and high-end products given
as gifts (fresh fruit, wine and chocolate). Acceptance of imported
products as high-quality is becoming more common, and U.S. products have
benefited from a reputation for high quality.

## I.4. Consumer Foods Market Size and Growth

![](media/image3.wmf)in wholesale markets on the other.

## I.5. Advantages and Challenges Facing U.S. Suppliers of Food Products to China

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ###### Advantages                 | ###### Challenges                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Chinese consumers spend nearly    | Chinese consumers are             |
| half of their disposable income   | price-sensitive: imported         |
| on food and beverages.            | products have difficulty          |
|                                   | competing with domestic           |
|                                   | substitutes on price.             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Imported goods are generally      | Imports are regarded as luxury    |
| regarded as high in quality       | goods: the vast majority of       |
|                                   | consumers do not believe they can |
|                                   | afford them.                      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| New markets for imported products | Transportation and logistics for  |
| are appearing in fast-growing     | these cities remains difficult,   |
| cities throughout China.          | and many lack the presence of a   |
|                                   | qualified distributor for         |
|                                   | imports.                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Many U.S. brands, such as         | Most of the U.S. brands widely    |
| Budweiser, Coca-Cola, M&Ms and    | available in China are            |
| Pringles are widely recognized in | manufactured locally or in other  |
| China.                            | parts of Asia.                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Overseas fast-food chains are     | Foreign fast-food chains source   |
| extremely popular, and provide    | most of their products locally.   |
| exposure for foreign foods.       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Overseas retail chains are        | Few of these chains import        |
| growing quickly, and carry more   | directly from overseas, working   |
| imported products than domestic   | instead through distributors.     |
| counterparts.                     | Many charge high listing fees to  |
|                                   | promote new products.             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Under WTO, China's duties on      | Increased access for imports has  |
| imported foods have fallen, and   | resulted in greater competition   |
| more products are shipped         | from other exporting countries    |
| directly to China, instead of     | for products like beef, seafood   |
| through Hong Kong.                | and pistachios.                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Food is an essential part of      | The Chinese have very strong      |
| Chinese culture and social life.  | taste preferences. While they are |
| Key life events revolve around    | willing to experiment, they are   |
| food, and little expense is       | less willing to incorporate       |
| spared.                           | foreign tastes into their daily   |
|                                   | life.                             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| China is incomprehensibly large.  | China is incomprehensibly large.  |
| Though many consumers still lack  | Regional differences in culture   |
| the income to purchase imports,   | and taste can be quite stark.     |
| millions join the middle class    | Promotions with limited budgets   |
| every year.                       | must target specific groups.      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The Chinese market often moves    | If a product is successful, it is |
| en-masse. If a product becomes    | likely to be counterfeited or     |
| trendy, sales can skyrocket       | imitated.                         |
| overnight.                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# Section II. Exporter Business Tips

## II.1. Local Business Customs

China possesses an ancient and vibrant mercantile culture of its own.
Although this culture values efficiency, value and profit, there are
important differences from western business culture. Key features
include: a) respect for age and hierarchical position, b) the importance
of personal relationships, c) group orientation and d) the concept of
face. Food is a key component of Chinese culture, and this extends to
business culture: working lunches and dinners are an important part of
doing business in China. These events help to build those all-important
personal relationships, provide information not available in formal
business meetings, and are an opportunity to establish face with your
business contacts. To help U.S. exporters on their travels in China, FAS
has prepared several reports outlining the key points: [Chinese Business
Etiquette]{.underline} (CH2828) and [Business Travel in
China]{.underline} (CH2829). These reports are available on the FAS
website at [www.fas.usda.gov]{.underline} (look under 'Attache
Reports').

## II.2. Consumer Tastes

Tastes vary widely from place to place in China, and are constantly
evolving. As a general rule, Chinese tastes favor Asian products,
particularly those with a strong similarity to Chinese foods or heavily
influenced by China. Nonetheless, consumers are willing to experiment
with new tastes. Key regional distinctions include North and Northeast
China (Beijing and north), where dishes tend to be salty; East China
(centered on Shanghai) where the taste is sweet and spicy dishes are
unpopular; Central China, famous for hot and spicy food; and South
China, famous for delicate tastes and an appetite for the exotic. Keep
in mind, though, that consumers in any of these places may be willing to
experiment with new tastes.

In addition to regional patterns, there are some overall preferences
shared by most Chinese consumers:

\- Chinese prefer fresh meats and produce to canned or processed ones.
Many buy fish or fowl live to be butchered on the spot.

\- Consumers prefer small-sized packages to 'economy' sizes, even though
the unit cost may be higher.

\- In the case of snacks, candies or breakfast cereals, Chinese
consumers like to see the actual product inside the package. It is a
good idea to include a transparent 'window' on the package. This goes
double for new-to-market products.

\- The attractiveness of the package is important. Size, colors and
design are all taken into consideration.

\- Chinese buyers are attracted to established brand names, which are
seen as a guarantee of authenticity and superior quality.

![](media/image4.wmf)

**Before jumping into the Chinese market, U.S. exporters are advised to
invest in targeted market research and taste testing.** In a country the
size of China, it is absolutely critical to identify a specific target
group of consumers, and confirm the product's appeal to that group. For
example, one might target new mothers in the Shanghai area, or,
alternatively, teens from affluent families in Guangzhou. Whichever one
chooses to target, both the product and the approach will be entirely
different. Failure to take the preferences of Chinese consumers into
account is a common reason for the failure of new products.

## II.3. Regulatory Framework

Over the past few years, the Chinese government has published a host of
regulations governing standards and labeling for food products.
Enforcement of these regulations is also becoming more rigorous.
Although reputable distributors often deal with these issues on the
exporter's behalf, exporters with a major commitment to the China market
are advised to study the relevant laws carefully and ensure that they
are in compliance.

To help U.S. exporters understand these regulations, FAS has prepared a
series of unofficial translations. Collectively, these reports are
called the **China Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and
Standards Report** (or **China FAIRS Report**). The translations
available are listed in the FAIRS Report Working Index, which is posted
on the FAS website ([www.fas.usda.gov]{.underline}).

# Section III. Market Sector Structure and Trends

## III.1. Food Retail

Growth in retail sales has been driven by the rapid development of food
retail chains across China. Supermarket chains are now present in
virtually every city in China, while hypermarkets exist in most large
cities. Of particular interest to exporters is the rapid growth of
foreign-invested hypermarket chains such as Wal-Mart, Carrefour and
Metro, which are aggressive in seeking out and promoting high-margin
imported products. These foreign-invested stores are also popular venues
for buying food to be given as gifts. Packaging is critical in this
particular niche, and many exporters and/or distributors have developed
special gift package versions of their products.

In response to the growth of foreign-invested retailers, Chinese retail
chains are consolidating, and now have nationwide reach. Although the
recent consolidation of China's two largest food retail chains, Lianhua
and Hualian, created an entity several times larger than any other chain
operating in China, the two retailers appear to be continuing to operate
independently. Domestically-owned hypermarkets are a good prospect for
imported products, but loose management of supermarket chains continues
to make that sector a poor prospect for imports. Retail sales have also
been boosted by the rapid growth of convenience store chains,
particularly in East China. Shanghai alone is home to over 2,500
convenience stores, mostly domestic chains. Foreign-invested convenience
stores have established a significant presence in Guangzhou, and the
convenience store format is now making an appearance in Beijing.
Refrigerator and freezer cases are now routinely available in
hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores, and microwave ovens
are common in convenience stores.

Retail growth is likely to get an additional boost in 2005, when China
will permit full foreign ownership of businesses (current rules require
foreign-invested businesses to be joint ventures). Wal-Mart is already
rumored to have plans to open stores in Shanghai and other cities in
2005, taking advantage of the regulatory change. Other important trends
in the retail sector include the rapid increase in personal ownership of
refrigerators, freezers and microwave ovens, which has boosted sales of
frozen and heat-and-eat products. Hypermarkets and convenience stores
also now offer a wide variety of ready-to-eat foods, including box
lunches and rotisserie chicken. For more detail on China's retail food
sector, please refer to FAS/China's **Food Retail Sector** reports,
available on the FAS website at [www.fas.usda.gov]{.underline}.

## III.2. Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional (HRI)

HRI is one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, as seen in the
rapid growth of revenue for the catering industry. This sector covers
the entire spectrum, from roadside stands to massive cafeterias to
Michelin Guide-rated restaurants. The restaurant sector dominates HRI,
accounting for roughly 60% of HRI revenues. Privately owned restaurants
account for over 50% of the total, and helps to account for the dynamism
of this particular sector. Growth is supported by the emergence of a
growing number of affluent, two-income families that do not have the
time to prepare meals at home, as well as long-standing traditions of
hospitality.

HRI is a key player in introducing imported foods. High-end restaurants
and hotels are less constrained by price considerations and more
interested in presenting dishes and products that are unique. If
successful, their efforts are likely to be copied by other restaurants,
bringing them closer to mainstream middle-class consumers. Another
important trend is the recent emergence of medium to high-end restaurant
chains. Like other high-end restaurants, these are interested in
offering consumers something different and unique, but unlike them, if a
product is successful, they can purchase in the quantities necessary to
bring unit costs down. This development holds a great deal of promise,
as Chinese consumers view restaurant chains as a guarantee of quality in
a largely unregulated industry. Though still in its infancy, this trend
may become an important factor for imports.

It is important to note, however, that many parts of the HRI sector are
not strong candidates for imported foods. Catering operations that run
cafeterias and provide box lunches, as well as small family-owned
restaurants, account for a large portion of the industry, and are
extremely price-sensitive. For example, lunch box manufacturers
typically aim for a production cost of \$0.75 or less, making them a
poor candidate for most imported foods. Once again, exporters are
advised to research the market and pick their targets carefully. For a
more analysis on China's food processing sector, please refer to
FAS/China's **HRI Sector** reports, available on the FAS website at
[www.fas.usda.gov]{.underline}.

## III.3. Food Processing

The food processing industry is another of the fastest growing segments
in the Chinese economy, with the China Food Industry Association citing
annual growth of 10-12%. Still in its infancy, the recent development of
this sector also makes it is one of the most modern. Poor regulation,
however, makes it difficult to determine the exact size of the industry:
the most recent figure, from 2000, is \$102.7 billion. China's National
Statistical Bureau estimates growth for the first seven months of 2003
at 18.16%, for a value of \$82.96 billion. Processing is dominated by
primary processing at 54% of the total value, and by beverage production
at 24% of the total. Food manufacturing accounts for only 22% of the
total, indicating that the industry has a good deal of room for future
growth. Currently, only 30% of China's food consumption is processed, as
compared to 86% in more developed countries. According to Chinese
officials, the main barrier to further development of this sector is
China's underdeveloped agricultural production and distribution systems.
At present, food safety is a key concern for the industry, following a
series of poisoning and contamination incidents in recent years.

The food processing sector provides limited but growing opportunities
for U.S. exporters. The industry is concentrated primarily in Guangdong
province, though much of the current growth is taking place further
north. Although inputs are primarily domestic, many processors are
seeking new ingredients to help distinguish their products from
competitors. U.S. products that have been particularly successful in
this area include nuts (almonds, pistachios, and more recently pecans),
dried fruit (especially prunes), flavorings and sauces (blueberry
flavors have become popular recently) and dairy ingredients and
supplements. Frozen and dehydrated potato products continue to be
successful, due largely to the lack of local equivalents. For a more
in-depth analysis of the food processing sector, please refer to
FAS/China's **Food Processing Sector** reports, available on the FAS
website at [www.fas.usda.gov]{.underline}.

# Section IV. Best High-Value Product Prospects

+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Product         | 2000 | 2000   | 5-Yr  | Import | Key Constraints   |
| Category        | Ma   | I      | Avg   | Tariff | on Market         |
|                 | rket | mports | I     | Rate   | Development       |
|                 | Size | (\$mi  | mport |        |                   |
|                 |      | llion) | G     |        |                   |
|                 |      |        | rowth |        |                   |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Red Meats       | NA   | 156    | 66%   | 14.2   | Competition from  |
| Fr/Ch/Fz        |      |        |       | -- 29% | other import      |
|                 |      |        |       |        | sources           |
|                 |      |        |       |        | (Australia),      |
|                 |      |        |       |        | limited capacity  |
|                 |      |        |       |        | for handling      |
|                 |      |        |       |        | fresh imports,    |
|                 |      |        |       |        | growing           |
|                 |      |        |       |        | competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       |        | domestic product. |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Processed Fr. & | NA   | 134    | 46%   | 5 --   | Competition from  |
| Veg.            |      |        |       | 31%    | Asian countries   |
|                 |      |        |       |        | with similar      |
|                 |      |        |       |        | tastes; rapid     |
|                 |      |        |       |        | development of    |
|                 |      |        |       |        | domestic          |
|                 |      |        |       |        | industry.         |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Poultry Meat    | NA   | 481    | 53%   | 20%    | Import quotas,    |
|                 |      |        |       |        | sanitary          |
|                 |      |        |       | (sp    | barriers,         |
|                 |      |        |       | ecific | competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       | duties | other exporting   |
|                 |      |        |       | are    | countries.        |
|                 |      |        |       | a      |                   |
|                 |      |        |       | pplied |                   |
|                 |      |        |       | to     |                   |
|                 |      |        |       | b      |                   |
|                 |      |        |       | roiler |                   |
|                 |      |        |       | cuts)  |                   |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Dairy Products  | NA   | 260    | 40%   | 6 --   | Competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       | 26%    | New Zealand and   |
|                 |      |        |       |        | Australia.        |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Fresh Fruit     | NA   | 318    | 12.5% | 13.6   | Competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       | -- 33% | domestic          |
|                 |      |        |       |        | products. U.S.'   |
|                 |      |        |       |        | advantage is in   |
|                 |      |        |       |        | special           |
|                 |      |        |       |        | varieties.        |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Tree Nuts       | NA   | 23     | 39%   | 0 --   | Competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       | 26%    | low-price, low    |
|                 |      |        |       |        | quality           |
|                 |      |        |       |        | exporters;        |
|                 |      |        |       |        | counterfeit       |
|                 |      |        |       |        | products.         |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Fruit & Veg.    | NA   | 14     | 32%   | 7.5 -- | Competition from  |
| Juices          |      |        |       | 31%    | other exporting   |
|                 |      |        |       |        | countries.        |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Breakfast       | NA   | 3      | 10%   | 25 --  | Breakfast cereals |
| Cereals         |      |        |       | 30%    | are still a       |
|                 |      |        |       |        | novelty in China. |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Salmon          | NA   | 25     | 61%   | 10 --  | Cost and          |
|                 |      |        |       | 17.2%  | competition from  |
|                 |      |        |       |        | other exporters,  |
|                 |      |        |       |        | esp. Norway.      |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Crustaceans     | NA   | 216    | 17%   | 5 --   | Limited supplies. |
|                 |      |        |       | 21.7%  |                   |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+
| Note: All data  |      |        |       |        |                   |
| are derived     |      |        |       |        |                   |
| from U.N. Trade |      |        |       |        |                   |
| Data. Commodity |      |        |       |        |                   |
| groupings are   |      |        |       |        |                   |
| based on FAS    |      |        |       |        |                   |
| BICO report     |      |        |       |        |                   |
| categories.     |      |        |       |        |                   |
+-----------------+------+--------+-------+--------+-------------------+

# Section V. Key Contacts and Further Information

For a list of Chinese government regulatory agencies in Beijing,
Shanghai and Guangzhou, please see FAS/China report number CH1068,
available on the FAS website at www.fas.usda.gov.

For a list of importers and distributors, please see FAS/China report
number CH1068, also available on the FAS website.

For further information, please contact the appropriate ATO office.
FAS/China has ATOs in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. E-mail and fax
numbers are as follows:

ATO Beijing; ATOBeijing@usda.gov, (8610) 8529-9962

ATO Shanghai: ATOShanghai@usda.gov, (8621) 6279-8336

ATO Guangzhou: ATOGuangzhou@usda.gov, (8620) 8667-0703

# Appendix 1. Statistics

Table A. Key Trade and Demographic Information

  ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------
  Agricultural Imports From All Countries (\$mil)/US Market  10,523/25%
  Share (%)                                                  

  Consumer Food Imports From All Countries (\$mil)/US Market 2,090/32%
  Share (%)                                                  

  Edible Fishery Imports from All Countries (\$mil)/US       1,337/8%
  Market Share (%)                                           

  Total Population (millions)/Annual Growth Rate (%)         1,284/0.6%

  Urban Population (millions)/Annual Growth Rate (%)         502/4%

  Number of Major Metropolitan Areas                         171

  Size of Middle Class (Millions)/Growth Rate (%)            NA

  Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (US Dollars)             987

  Unemployment Rate                                          4.0

  Per Capita Food Expenditures (urban residents only; rural  275
  exp. NA)                                                   

  Percent of Female Population Employed                      NA

  Exchange Rate                                              8.3
  ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------

Table B. Consumer Food and Edible Fishery Product Imports

  ----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ -------
  China (Peoples Republic of) Imports of Agriculture,                 
  Fish & Forestry Products                                            

  (In Millions of Dollars)                                            

                                                        1999   2000   2001

  CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL TOTAL                  1504   1960   2120

  Snack Foods (Excl. Nuts)                              43     64     68

  Breakfast Cereals & Pancake Mix                       3      3      3

  Red Meats, Fresh/Chilled/Frozen                       88     156    154

  Red Meats, Prepared/Preserved                         6      8      8

  Poultry Meat                                          410    481    444

  Dairy Products (Excl. Cheese)                         197    260    273

  Cheese                                                3      4      4

  Eggs & Products                                       1      10     7

  Fresh Fruit                                           226    318    287

  Fresh Vegetables                                      6      4      3

  Processed Fruit & Vegetables                          110    134    276

  Fruit & Vegetable Juices                              13     14     22

  Tree Nuts                                             21     23     52

  Wine & Beer                                           98     121    93

  Nursery Products & Cut Flowers                        17     21     22

  Pet Foods (Dog & Cat Food)                            1      1      2

  Other Consumer-Oriented Products                      261    338    402

                                                                      

  FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCTS                               881    1210   1319

  Salmon                                                16     25     56

  Crustaceans                                           124    216    194

  Groundfish & Flatfish                                 310    410    507

  Molluscs                                              96     177    177

  Other Fishery Products                                334    381    385

  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TOTAL                           7146   9961   10546

  Source: United Nations Statistics Division                          
  ----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ -------

Table C. Top 15 Suppliers of Consumer Foods and Edible Fishery Products

  --------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
  CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL TOTAL - 400                        

  Reporting: China (Peoples Republic of) - Top  Import    Import    Import
  15 Ranking                                                        

                                                1999      2000      2001

                                                Value     Value     Value

                                                1000\$    1000\$    1000\$

  United States                                 470353    635982    670675

  Thailand                                      91330     118154    239779

  New Zealand                                   91231     145587    150790

  Australia                                     41282     63897     82505

  Japan                                         68438     88635     82150

  Canada                                        45451     70530     76758

  Netherlands                                   90153     128755    75395

  France                                        41401     78031     70162

  Philippines                                   49659     77112     66554

  Vietnam                                       12273     16688     65517

  Ireland                                       19798     35119     45734

  Denmark                                       25282     39934     42370

  Chile                                         10119     25147     31616

  Germany                                       16251     20946     29482

  Indonesia                                     45276     24869     28224

  Other                                         372556    378268    332123

  World                                         1490913   1947689   2089873

                                                                    

  FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCTS - 700                                     

  Reporting: China (Peoples Republic of) - Top  Import    Import    Import
  15 Ranking                                                        

                                                1999      2000      2001

                                                Value     Value     Value

                                                1000\$    1000\$    1000\$

  Russian Federation                            257727    345895    487916

  Japan                                         185010    136583    106883

  United States                                 55040     79753     100456

  India                                         12191     87157     77886

  Canada                                        35055     77207     64335

  Norway                                        19468     42550     63710

  Korea, North                                  5757      4056      48019

  Korea, Republic of                            35390     67019     44796

  Thailand                                      10239     41787     27364

  New Zealand                                   12149     26448     26977

  Spain                                         17405     28042     25989

  Netherlands                                   6094      7223      24986

  Indonesia                                     4938      23182     24583

  Australia                                     9450      13848     18763

  Taiwan (Estimated)                            8775      26983     16532

  Other                                         214807    209324    178234

  World                                         889508    1217062   1337435

                                                                    

  Source: United Nations Statistics Division                        
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