How does food get traded around the world?

• Global food systems are highly interconnected, with many countries relying on international trade for basic food supplies.
• A new interactive tool by Our World in Data uses UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data to visualize global food flows between producers and consumers.
• The tool allows users to track specific commodities like maize, soybeans, palm oil, or coffee, and analyze the import/export dependencies of individual countries.

Methodology and Data

• The visualizations use Sankey diagrams to illustrate trade flows.
• Data is sourced from the UN FAO; when discrepancies exist between exporter and importer reporting, the tool prioritizes data from the importing country to ensure consistency.

Example Insights: Soybeans and Maize

• Maize (corn) global trade is led by Brazil and the United States as the largest exporters, with China serving as the primary global importer.
• For soybeans, the United States relies on China as its largest export market, while China's domestic supply is heavily dependent on imports.
• China's soybean import data reveals a significant reliance on Brazil (approximately 70%) compared to the United States (one-quarter).

Implications

• Visualizing these trade links helps researchers and policymakers identify vulnerabilities to export tariffs and food supply crises.
• The data highlights how global interdependence determines national food security and exposes countries to potential supply gaps.