China: Retail Foods Annual

China, the world's second-largest importer of consumer-oriented agricultural products after the United States, saw its retail sector remain relatively stable in 2025, with total sales reaching $7 trillion. In 2025, China's top 100 supermarket chains generated $131 billion in sales, up 4.8 percent year-on-year, with the total number of stores reaching 21,027, according to the China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA). Major product importers remain concentrated in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, which also serve as key distribution hubs for imported goods. As consumer behavior continues to evolve, value-for-money purchasing has become the dominant trend, with discount stores and instant retail channels gaining significant traction, particularly in regional markets. Despite these shifts, U.S. products maintain a strong reputation among Chinese consumers, who continue to associate them with quality and safety.