This article presents an overview of the 5 Largest Food Importing Countries in the World. For a detailed overview of the 15 largest food importing countries with insights into the annual value and volume of food export, read our article 15 Largest Food Importing Countries in the World.
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Indonesia
Annual Value of food imports in 2021 (USD Billions): 10.0
Annual Volume of food imports (Million Tons): 23.5
In 2021, Indonesia’s imported food accounted for about $24 billion. Indonesia has a land area of 26,300,000 hectares, of which only 129 million hectares are arable. Indonesia’s population is expected to reach 295 million by 2030, putting a strain on the country’s food supply. Indonesia is the world’s largest rice importer and imports significant quantities of other food commodities, such as wheat, soybeans, and dairy products. In 2021, Indonesia’s foremost partner countries for food product imports included Brazil, Argentina, India, United States, and China.
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Germany
Annual Value of food imports in 2021 (USD Billions): 44.3
Annual Volume of food imports (Million Tons): 9.3
Germany’s GDP in 2021 was $4.6 trillion. German food consumption patterns highlight a preference for quality and diversity, with a strong preference for meat, dairy products, and processed foods. Germany imports various agricultural and food products, including spices, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and oil seeds to meet these preferences. Germany’s key trading partners for food product imports are the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France, and Austria.
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Netherland
Annual Value of food imports in 2021 (USD Billions): 33.1
Annual Volume of food imports (Million Tons): 10.9
The Netherlands is a food net importer, with a food dependency ratio of 28% in 2021. Netherlands has a land area of 41,526 square kilometers, of which only 29% is arable land. Moreover, Netherlands’ agricultural production cost is relatively high due to high labor costs and low productivity. In 2021, Netherlands imported food products from several key partner countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Brazil, and Cote d’Ivoire.
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France
Annual Value of food imports in 2021 (USD Billions): 30.0
Annual Volume of food imports (Million Tons): 10.5
France’s 2021 GDP of approximately $2.95 trillion underscores its fiscal resilience and economic stability. In 2021, France imported $273.6 million in US processed foods. Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Spain were France’s top partner countries in importing food products in 2021. French people eat various foods, from traditional dishes like cheese and wine to modern delicacies.
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United States
Annual Value of food imports in 2021 (USD Billions): 86.6
Annual Volume of food imports (Million Tons): 22.1
The United States is world’s largest economy and third-largest population. However, it is also a major food importer, with imports reaching $196 billion in 2022. This is due to several factors, including diversity of the US population, climate, and cost of production. Its demand for a wide range of food products, from fresh produce to specialty ingredients, has made it a key player in the international food trade. This position reflects the country’s rich multicultural heritage and underscores its role as a global hub for food consumption and distribution, driving economic opportunities and culinary diversity. The US imports about 15% of its food calories. The US imports food from the top five countries: Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
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