
China is the world’s largest agricultural economy and the leading producer and consumer of many agricultural commodities. In recent years, its massive population and tremendous income growth have fueled a rapid increase in both the quantity and quality of food and fiber consumed. While China has met much of its needs by increasing domestic production, it has also emerged as a leading global importer of several agricultural commodities, including cotton, soybeans, vegetable oils, and hides and skins. China’s increase in imports has benefited its trade partners significantly, but only for a narrow range of products. This book provides information and analysis regarding the conditions of competition in China’s agricultural market and trade and their effects on U.S. agricultural exports.