Fourth annual China trade mission planned by Michigan agency

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will conduct its fourth annual Trade Mission to China, Nov. 8-12, 2019. This year, MDARD will take Michigan food and agriculture companies to Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai to better understand the Chinese market and meet with qualified Chinese buyers interested in Michigan products. Food Export Association of the Midwest will also conduct a Focused Trade Mission to South Korea, Nov. 6-7, 2019, allowing Michigan companies the opportunity to participate in two back-to-back missions within the region.

China is Michigan’s fifth-largest export market for food and agriculture products, having exported $124 million worth of products to the country in 2018. China’s economy is continuously expanding with an annual GDP growth of around six percent. China’s expanding economy, rising disposable income, and its massive 1.4 billion population are driving strong consumer demand for U.S. food and beverage products.

The mission will include briefings by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, retail tours, and one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers. The cost to participate is $750 and the registration deadline for the trade mission is Sept. 4, 2019. Companies are responsible for organizing and covering their hotels, flights, incidentals, and meals (special group hotel rates will be made available). For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/mdardchina or contact Allie Fox VanDriel at 517-284-5737 or foxa1@michigan.gov.