China imported the most soybeans on record in 2024 as buyers concerned about rising U.S.-China trade tensions rushed to secure U.S. supplies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
China will accelerate the breeding of new soybean and corn varieties and prioritize yield improvements for key grains and oil crops, as part of broad efforts to ensure food security, the agriculture ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday.
China's rapeseed meal futures fell to a three-week low on Tuesday after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's plans to resign sparked hope that trade tensions between Beijing and Ottawa will soften.
China has approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified (GM) soybean, corn and cotton, expanding approvals to boost high-yield crops, reduce import reliance, and ensure food security.
Grain and oilseed markets had their ups and downs in 2024, with wars, labour unrest, trade disputes and politics often providing more direction than the traditional supply/demand fundamentals.
China will launch an investigation into beef imports, the commerce ministry said on Friday, as the world's biggest meat importer and consumer grapples with an oversupplied market that has sent domestic prices to multi-year lows.
China on Tuesday launched a decade-long plan to boost consumption of cereal grains and develop the industry through higher production standards, research and international cooperation as part of efforts to enhance food security.
Securing access for Russia's winter wheat and barley to the Chinese market remains a priority for the coming year, Russia's agricultural watchdog said on Tuesday, even though the market expects Russia's grain harvest and exports to fall.
China's Sinograin has bought nearly 500,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans this week for shipment in March and April, paying more for U.S. supplies for state reserves rather than buying cheaper Brazilian beans, two U.S. traders familiar with the deals said.
China will accelerate the pace of agricultural and rural modernization and stabilize grain planting area in its quest to ensure stable and high production of grains, state media reported on Wednesday, citing an annual rural policy meeting.