Cheng Ya-hao;Gao, Zhifeng;Seale, James, Jr.

Nankai Univ, Dept Econ, Tianjin 300071, Peoples R China;Univ Florida, Dept Food & Resource Econ, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA

meat import demand;China;price elasticity;income elasticity;pork;beef;poultry

This paper discusses the determinants of meat imports of China. Results indicate that import demand is mostly determined by import price and real GDP. Imported price has a negative effect and real GDP has a positive influence on import quantity. Tariff does not have a significant effect. As GDP and consumption capacity increases, China has a large potential demand for meat imports. Some countries may gain if China's economy continues expanding, while others, like the United States, are the most sensitive to the trade policy of China.