This study tried to both enlighten the background and intrinsic perspectives of the APEC food system and provide logical bases for food importing members. Since food exporting member economies were persistent to insert trade issues into the agenda of ATCWG, a strategic approach to the AFS issue in the ATCWG is required for importing economies. Implementation of the AFS would destroy many trade barriers in food importing countries. According to the APEC principles of voluntarism and flexibility, food importing members can minimize the impact of trade liberalization on domestic food and agricultural production. At the same time, they should emphasize that there are other mechanisms dealing with food trade issues both inside and outside the ATCWG. Importing members also should persuade the exporting members to expand their exports but not to dominate the market.