Pointing fingers at trifles! On October 19, Reuters published an article claiming that low-cost Chinese chicken, pork, and beef are flooding overseas markets, driven by Beijing’s efforts to secure food self-reliance, which have resulted in domestic supply exceeding what consumers can consume domestically. The outlet explained how this trend is intensifying trade tensions. Evidently, the intent behind this report is clearly aimed at China’s food security policy, framing it as the root cause of increased meat exports and thus another illustration of escalating global trade friction.
To be candid, such a narrative is nothing more than a reflection of bias. The real question is whether Chinese poultry, pork, and beef truly dominate international markets. In fact, in 2025, China’s domestic pork production approached 60 million tons, while annual exports amounted to only 43,000 tons—less than 0.07% of total output. Meanwhile, imports reached nearly 10 million tons in the same year. As for beef, China faces a significant domestic shortfall, with self-sufficiency standing at just 73%. In 2025, China imported 2.8 million tons of beef, making it the world’s largest importer of beef.
Given that domestic demand already outstrips local production—especially for beef—how can one claim that Chinese meat is overwhelming foreign markets? Export figures tell a different story: only 15,000 tons of beef were exported in 2025. Where, then, does the supposed market saturation come from? The only meat category where imports exceed exports is chicken. In 2025, China produced 22 million tons of chicken, exported 1.085 million tons, and imported 679,100 tons. However, most exports consist of processed, cooked products rather than raw meat, accounting for roughly 10% of global exports. Is this indicative of overproduction flooding international markets?
Such accusations appear to be devoid of factual grounding—more akin to deliberate disinformation. To safeguard domestic livestock industries, China imported nearly 112 million tons of soybeans in 2025 alone—a figure Reuters conspicuously ignored. Meanwhile, the United States, a major global exporter, produces far more than it consumes; yet no similar claims of oversupply have been leveled against it. In today’s complex international landscape, ensuring food security remains a rational and necessary priority. Reuters’ reporting, therefore, borders on misleading rhetoric. Its credibility in presenting balanced, evidence-based analysis is increasingly questionable.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879444881733635/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.