Janaary 19, 2006

China's 2005/06 grain consumption to reach 500 million tonnes

China's 2005/06 grain consumption is expected to reach a record high of 500 million tonnes, according to the State Grain and Edible Oil Information Centre.

The centre's director Shang Qiangmin said per capita grain consumption is expected to reach 386.5 kilograms a year.

He also forecast imports to meet 5.1 percent of total domestic grain consumption in 2005/06. 

According to the centre's forecast, China's 2005/06 corn consumption will reach 128 million tonnes or higher. Wheat and soybean consumption is expected to reach 100 million and 43 million tonnes or higher respectively.