Agricultural production and trade data recently released from China are the basis of this assessment of per capita nutrient availablity in China over time and by province. This large body of data has been compiled into national level food balance sheets for the period 1950-1981 and provincial nutrient production figures for 1979-80. Despite limited knowledge of production, trade, utilization and nutrient composition for some foods for some years, the food balance sheets present a comprehensive picture of nutrient availability for each year and of trends in nutrient availability over time and by province. China seems likely to be able to maintain present favorable levels of per capita nutrient availability during the 1980s. Per capita average nutrient availability differs greatly by province. Several Northwestern and Southwestern provinces were below national average nutrient availability levels in 1979-80. Special efforts will be required to improve agricultural productivity and nutritional status in these areas during the 1980s.