As well as a rise in total consumption, there have been changes in the pattern of consumption. First, most consumer expenditure is on food, clothing, and basic commodities. These items account for nearly 80% of all consumer expenditure, with expenditure on food alone responsible for 50% of consumption spending. Second, expenditure on foodstuffs as a proportion of total expenses has declined, falling from 13% in 1982, to 8% in 1986, and to less than 7% in 1990. Chinese economic statistics distinguish between foodstuffs, such as rice, wheat, corn, and beans, and subsidiary food, such as meat, poultry,.
