According to customs statistics, the total value of food trade between China and Central and Eastern European countries (hereinafter referred to as CEECs) reached 5.87 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 11.8 percent (the same below). Notably, its food exports to CEECs rose 24.1 percent to 4.46 billion yuan, while food imports from the region fell 14.8 percent to 1.41 billion yuan.
Key features of food trade between China and CEECs during this period are shown as below:
(I) China’s exports were led by edible aquatic products, dried and fresh fruits and nuts, as well as vegetables and edible fungi.
From January to September 2025, China’s exports of food products to CEECs amounted to 4.46 billion yuan, climbing 24.1 percent and accounting for 0.7 percent of its total exports to the region during the same period. Among these, edible aquatic products accounted for 910 million yuan, up 31.5 percent; dried and fresh fruits and nuts reached 540 million yuan, soaring 123.3 percent; while vegetables and edible fungi totaled 420 million yuan, a rise of 8.6 percent.
(II) Major imports included dairy, hops, and sunflower seeds.
From January to September 2025, China’s food imports from CEECs stood at 1.41 billion yuan, reflecting a decline of 14.8 percent year-on-year and making up 0.9 percent of its total imports from the region in the same period. Notably, imports of dairy products rose by 33.7 percent to 590 million yuan; imported hops grew 63.9 percent to 170 million yuan. Meanwhile, sunflower seeds fell by 69.4 percent to 62.586 million yuan.
(III) Poland, Greece, and the Czech Republic emerged as China’s top three food trade partners.
From January to September 2025, China’s food imports and exports with Poland reached 2.34
