Chinese consumers' appetite for global food remains strong, with imported items becoming a staple in many households, including those in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

According to Ningbo Customs, edible oils led food imports in 2025, with a total value of 3.92 billion yuan ($565.06 million), a 16.4 percent increase from the previous year. Beverages, including alcoholic drinks, followed at 3.81 billion yuan, up 23.8 percent.

Edible aquatic products ranked third at 3.47 billion yuan, up 18.9 percent. Other key imports included grains, fruits and nuts, meat and offal, tapioca starch, and dairy products.

Ningbo Customs officials inspect a batch of imported wines. [Photo/Tide News]

The data highlight a growing enthusiasm for imported beverages in Ningbo. From Nordic beers to African juices that are not from concentrate (NFC), more delicious imported drinks are reaching consumers in Ningbo.

"We increased imports of African NFC juices last year due to rising demand, and expect imports to double in 2026," said Ruan Qunsong, assistant general manager at Ningbo Loyal Import & Export.

Ningbo also imports a variety of seafood, with squid, shrimp, and lobster being regular items. Following the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, tariffs on imported Ecuadorian frozen shrimp will drop to 3.5 percent in 2026, making these exotic delicacies more affordable.

Fruit and nut imports also grew, with hazelnuts leading at 320 million yuan, up 37.2 percent. Pecans followed at 290 million yuan, up 610 percent. Total nut imports reached 1.43 billion yuan, up 23.2 percent.