Rising to a series high
China Meat Production per Capita moved from 62.29 Kilogram in 2015 to 68.95 Kilogram in 2024 (+10.7%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 68.95 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 54.51 Kilogram in 2020.
What China Meat Production per Capita shows
China Meat Production per Capita was 68.95 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.4% on 2023. China meat production per capita demonstrated a recovery and growth-oriented trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the country’s expanding livestock sector, rising domestic demand, improvements in production efficiency, and changes within the food supply system.
A 20.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2020) is 14.43 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +15.9% in 2021.
Ranks 16 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, China ranks 16 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so China is above it.
Full series
China Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 68.95 | +0.4% |
| 2023 | 68.65 | +4.5% |
| 2022 | 65.67 | +3.9% |
| 2021 | 63.18 | +15.9% |
| 2020 Trough | 54.51 | −0.2% |
| 2019 | 54.64 | −10.3% |
| 2018 | 60.90 | +0.3% |
| 2017 | 60.74 | −0.1% |
| 2016 | 60.81 | −2.4% |
| 2015 | 62.29 | — |
Regional context
How China compares in Asia
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. China is highlighted.
1Israel91.62
2China68.95
3Taiwan67.72
4Vietnam55.44
5South Korea54.92
6Turkey53.46
7Malaysia52.13
8Thailand42.78
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data shows that meat production per capita increased from 62.29 kilograms in 2015 to 68.95 kilograms in 2024, despite experiencing a significant decline during the middle years of the period. The indicator highlights China’s position as one of the world’s largest meat-producing markets and its continued efforts to strengthen agricultural production capacity.
During the initial period from 2015 to 2018, China’s meat production per capita remained relatively stable but slightly declined, moving from 62.29 kilograms in 2015 to 60.90 kilograms in 2018. This period reflected adjustments within the livestock industry, including changes in production structures, animal disease impacts, and market fluctuations. In 2019, production decreased further to 54.64 kilograms due to significant disruptions affecting livestock output.
A notable recovery occurred between 2020 and 2024. Meat production per capita increased from 54.51 kilograms in 2020 to 63.18 kilograms in 2021, supported by industry recovery, increased livestock production, and government measures to stabilize meat supply. The upward trend continued in 2022 and 2023, reaching 65.67 kilograms and 68.65 kilograms respectively. In 2024, production slightly increased further to 68.95 kilograms, marking the highest level during the analyzed period.
Overall, China’s meat production per capita trends demonstrate strong resilience and long-term growth potential within the agricultural sector. The indicator provides valuable insights into livestock industry performance, production recovery, supply stability, and the evolving role of China’s meat sector in meeting domestic consumption requirements and supporting food security objectives.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- China
- Region
- Asia
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- October 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is China Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was China Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
China Meat Production per Capita was 68.95 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.4% on 2023.
How has China Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
China Meat Production per Capita moved from 62.29 Kilogram in 2015 to 68.95 Kilogram in 2024 (+10.7%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 68.95 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 54.51 Kilogram in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest China Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 68.95 Kilogram in 2024 and the lowest was 54.51 Kilogram in 2020.
What does the China Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the China Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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