China's agricultural imports and exports reached $163.78 billion in the first half of 2026
China's agricultural imports and exports reached $163.78 billion in the first half of 2026. When the countryside spends more and agricultural trade hits record levels, the economy gains momentum from within and strengthens its external position. Rural demand, long underestimated, is now a key driver of the domestic market. Growth in investment, retail sales and foreign trade shows that China's countryside is becoming a full‑fledged consumer, not just a producer.
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported on Friday that rural investment and consumption grew steadily in the first half of 2026. Vice Minister Zhang Xingwang said rural consumption is a major force in expanding domestic demand. "Fixed‑asset investment in the primary sector reached 460 billion yuan ($67.94 billion), up 0.9%; value‑added rose 3.7%. Retail sales in rural areas totalled 3.32 trillion yuan, up 2.5% year‑on‑year, 1.3 percentage points ahead of urban growth. The potential of rural consumption remains significant," he said. Foreign trade also impressed: "In the first six months, total agricultural imports and exports hit $163.78 billion, up 10.8%," Zhang added.
Rural consumption and investment growth reflect government efforts to stimulate domestic demand and narrow the urban‑rural gap. Subsidies, infrastructure development and agricultural support are boosting rural incomes. Rising agricultural trade turnover signals growing competitiveness of China's agribusiness on global markets. As CCTV+ reports. Positive trends are expected to continue in the second half of the year.
