The business environment for the agri-food sector is becoming increasingly complex and is characterized by considerable environmental, social and economic pressure. In addition to these challenges, companies from middle-income countries are increasingly operating internationally in the agri-food sector, further complicating the competitive and business landscape for existing players.

Through the market failure internationalization paradigm, this research examines the internationalization strategies of companies from China in the agricultural sector. Chinese companies are considered an excellent example of internationalization by emerging market companies, facing the dual domestic challenge of scarce agricultural commodities and a growing middle class.

This discourse provides internationalization insights valuable for other emerging market firms and policy makers, while contributing to the current debate of decoupling from China in an agrifood context. It provides critical perspectives for agribusiness managers for use in strategic planning, along with insights for policy makers who are under increasing pressure over economic relations with China.