China: a giant also in agriculture

Abstract

This article identifies the main driving forces of the demand for agricultural products in China: population growth and income growth. It also points out China’s main agricultural products, considering crops and livestock, and the remarkable development in production from 2002 to 2011. Emphasis is given to the analysis of Brazilian agricultural exports and its market share in China. With some originality, this study analyzes the Chinese tariff structure regarding trade with other countries, including Brazil. This analysis highlighted some products, like soybean complex (grain, oil and meal), corn, cotton, orange juice, and meat (beef, pork and poultry), due to their great importance. The general conclusion is that China’s market for Brazilian agribusiness products is vital and strategic for increasing grain and meat production in Brazil. It is of great relevance to examine the development of production and consumption of agricultural products in China and to take advantage of these business opportunities.