China is by far the world's largest producer of sheep meat and since 2001 production has risen by more than a million tonnes to around 2.5 million tonnes. However, there is increased reliance on imports to meet the growing demand for a western-style diet. In 2007 imports of frozen sheep meat rose by a quarter to 46,000 tonnes and already in the first quarter of 2008 imports were up by over 60 per cent. New Zealand and Australia account for nearly all of China's imports.
展开▼
