According to a fresh global trade report published in August 2026, China confidently maintains its status as the world's largest source of imports. The latest statistics show that for the overwhelming majority of countries, the PRC is the number one supplier.

Comparison of leading exporters by the number of countries for which they act as the top import partner:

• China — 100 countries;

• United States — 33 countries;

• Germany — 20 countries.

The gap between the leaders is colossal: China surpasses the US by more than three times and Germany by five times. The data covers only merchandise exports, excluding trade in services. Meanwhile, China's total trade surplus with the rest of the world has reached an all-time high, exceeding $1.2 trillion.

On the global trade map, China acts as the main supplier for most major economies, including Germany, Russia, and Brazil. Only a small number of states are oriented toward other partners (for example, Mexico has become the main source of imports for the US, while for Canada, it is the US).

For the Chinese food market, the status of the world's leading supplier creates a solid foundation for expanding the export of food products and agricultural raw materials. The well-developed logistics and trade infrastructure established for industrial goods can be effectively utilized for food freight as well.

At the same time, Chinese food exporters must take into account growing sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, as well as competition from local producers. China's record trade surplus may also prompt importing countries to tighten their trade policies, which could consequently affect the food segment.