Published: March 25, 2025
By: Vitoto Editorial Team
China is laying the groundwork to become a major force in the global halal food industry. With rising local demand, strong export momentum, and expanding partnerships across the Muslim world, the country is inching closer to a dominant position in a global halal market valued at over USD 180 billion.
A Strong Domestic Base
China is home to approximately 21–23 million Muslims, and this number is expected to grow to 30 million by 2030. This sizable population supports a vibrant domestic halal food market.
Key provinces like Ningxia, Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai have established strong regional halal certification frameworks, often backed by local governments. These systems make it easier for businesses to produce and sell halal-certified goods.
Halal food isn’t limited to Muslim consumers in China. More and more non-Muslim Chinese consumers, especially the younger, health-conscious crowd, are turning to halal products for their perceived quality, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
China’s Global Halal Push
In 2022, China became the ninth-largest halal food exporter to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, shipping halal goods worth approximately USD 10.4 billion—about 5.8% of all halal exports to OIC nations.
China’s coastal provinces—including Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong—have taken the lead in exporting halal products, thanks to their advanced manufacturing capabilities and ties to international certification bodies.
This export momentum is also being powered by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has deepened China’s economic ties with Muslim-majority countries. Currently, China has 22 active free trade agreements, with 12 more under negotiation, paving the way for more halal-focused trade in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
Certification Challenges at Home
One of China’s biggest hurdles in scaling its halal industry is the lack of a unified national halal certification system. Currently, halal certification is managed by local or provincial Islamic associations, each with its own standards. This fragmentation creates confusion for exporters and buyers alike.
To address this, Chinese authorities are working with Islamic organizations and learning from international standards—especially those from Malaysia and Indonesia—to develop a consistent and credible national certification process.
Hong Kong and Macao: New Halal Gateways
Hong Kong is actively positioning itself as a halal-friendly destination. In partnership with the local Islamic community and halal tourism rating agencies, the city aims to certify over 500 establishments by the end of 2025. This initiative is supported by Invest Hong Kong, as part of a broader effort to attract Muslim travellers and halal businesses.
Macao is also joining the movement. By mid-2024, 25 restaurants and food factories in the city had already received halal certification, with more expected as Macao positions itself to welcome Muslim visitors from mainland China and Southeast Asia.
