Chart - China's Rice Balance: Supply & Utilization, 1961-1996

Between 1982 and 1984 China's rice production rapidly increased; then it stagnated or even fell for the next five years. In 1989 and 1990 rice production increased again, so that stocks could be built up. That was good fortune, because in 1993 and especially in 1994 rice harvests where bad - even below the 1984 level. Stocks had to be used to achieve the necessary supply. 1995 was the first year, where China needed significant net-imports of rice. Fortunately, rice production was up again in 1996, so that no no imports and extractions from stocks were necessary.

Utilization

The most significant trend in China's rice utilization is the steady increase in the use of rice for feeding animals. Only in 1993 and 1994 - when rice harvests were not sufficient - the feeding rice to animals was reduced. However, there was again a significant increase in 1995 and 1996.

Utilization (in %)

The percentage distribution of major rice utilization shows a remarkably stable trend: between the early 1960s and the early 1990s China continuously used close to 90% of the available domestic supply of rice for direct human consumption. Only in 1995 and especially in 1996 this percentage declined - mainly because more rice was used to feed animals. As with wheat, a declining percentage of rice is used for seeds, while wastes and all other used remained stable.

Source: For all charts: WHO (1999): FAOSTAT. Food Balance Sheets. Rome (data downloaded through web)
Note: /* Data include Taiwan (but not Hong Kong)

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