China imported more agricultural commodities than the United States in 2011 to become the largest importer of agricultural products for the first time, according to World Trade Organization data calculated by Bloomberg. Imports, including food and beverages, rose 34 percent to $144.7 billion in 2011 from $108.3 billion in 2010.
China’s rising population was highlighted by Bloomberg as a primary reason for growth in demand, especially for soybeans, corn, feed, powdered milk, and sugar to make beverages. Urbanization has put more pressure on China’s water supply and has caused land shortages. Also, food-supply issues have been amplified this year by drought-reduced crops, the report noted.
