by Elisa Donegatti

After slowing in 2025, China’s cereal imports have picked up pace, increasing by 50.9% in the January–September 2026 period. Imports of corn, which saw a 126% increase, as well as sorghum and barley, have been particularly robust. 

The recovery is mainly driven by rising domestic prices, also linked to quality issues affecting part of the Corn crop, as well as the greater price competitiveness of imported raw materials.

FAS-USDA estimates that the share of Corn used in animal feed in China fell from 47% in January to 29% in August 2026, in favour of other cereals such as Wheat, Barley and Sorghum, with Pig producers particularly focused on feed costs.