Canola imports to China seen to hit record high

China's canola imports in 2009 are likely to exceed 3.2 million tonnes, the highest level ever, as Beijing's stockpiling programme attracted cheap imports, mostly from Canada.

The China National Grain and Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC) reported that more imports were recorded in areas that did not grow rapeseed, including Guangdong, Liaoning and Shandong.

Imports in December would likely reach about 250,000 tonnes as buyers tried to load cargoes before November 15, when China's quarantine authority required import permits amid disease concerns and imports from Canada were restricted after that date.

Chinese buyers loaded almost no cargoes after the date, CNGOIC stated.

Soy imports will also hit a record high of more than 42 million tonnes as the country's fast growing economy improves consumer incomes, driving up demand for cooking oil and livestock products.

Sinograin, the government buying agency, bought 4.05 million tonnes of rapeseed as of December 20 for state reserves from farmers.

Meanwhile, Beijing has extended its stockpiling programme in some provinces in the north by two months to the end of February.