While beef production and consumption in China is much smaller than in the US, Chinese beef production is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.4 percent, reaching 700 million tons in 2015, according to a report from Frost & Sullivan (China). Traditionally, Chinese people eat pork and chicken, primarily because of the high cost of beef. As standards of living continue to increase in China, more of the population is expected to consume beef.
In 2010, China was the third-largest beef consumer and producer in the world. When tallied, the 2011 figures are expected to show beef production slightly lower than in 2010. In 2010, China became a net importer of beef for the first time, with 23,700 tons of beef imported and 22,100 tons exported. It is expected that total 2011 figures will show China imported 33,900 tons in 2011 while exporting 17,700 tons.