Overview - China, as a populous country, has a massive demand for food, with grain demand projected to reach 861.77 million tons in 2024, while production is only expected to be 706.5 million tons, necessitating significant imports [1][9]. - The demand for feed grains such as corn and soybeans has surged due to increased consumption of livestock products as living standards rise [1][9]. Market Policies - The Chinese government emphasizes food security and has implemented various policies to control import scales and ensure the quality of imported grains [4][6]. - Recent policies include support for cross-border e-commerce and measures to stabilize foreign trade growth, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the agricultural sector [4][6]. Industry Chain - The upstream of the imported grain industry includes overseas grain planting, ocean transportation, and cold chain logistics, while the downstream consists of oil extraction, flour processing, feed production, and food processing [7]. - Key products processed from imported grains include edible oils, various flours, and animal feed, which are essential for meeting domestic consumption needs [7]. Current Development - In 2024, China is expected to import 15.753 million tons of grain, a decrease of 2.3% year-on-year, with an import dependency rate of 18.28% [11]. - Soybeans remain the largest import category, accounting for 66.67% of total imports, followed by corn and wheat at 8.66% and 2.74%, respectively [11]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape includes 344 companies applying for wheat import quotas and 1,453 for corn, with major state-owned enterprises like COFCO Group holding significant market influence due to their comprehensive logistics and storage capabilities [14][22]. - COFCO Group is a leading player in the grain import sector, with a global supply chain covering grain storage, logistics, processing, and trade [22]. Industry Representative Analysis - COFCO Group has established itself as a global leader in the agricultural sector, with operations spanning across six continents and an annual grain trading volume of 170 million tons [22]. - Jin Jian Rice Industry Co., Ltd. focuses on high-quality grain and oil products, with a revenue of 4.627 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a strong presence in the agricultural trade market [24]. Development Trends - Future trends indicate a diversification in imported grain types, with an expected increase in high-end edible oils, quality rice, and specialty grains [26]. - China aims to optimize its import structure and expand its sources of grain imports, reducing reliance on single markets and enhancing trade cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative [26].