January 29, 2004

China's 2003 Wheat Imports Down 30%; Exports Up 225%

China's Wheat Imports                               

According to China Customs Authority, China imported a total of 73,164 metric tons of wheat in December 2003.

Between January and December 2003, China's wheat imports amounted to 424,177 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 30%. Of the imported amount,

• 213,294 tons were from the US, a year-on-year rise of 32%;
  
  
• 204,327 tons were from Canada, a year-on-year fall of 44%;
  
  
• 6,556 tons were from Australia, a year-on-year decrease of 91%. 

China's Wheat Exports

Based on the official customs figures, a total of 368,528 tons of wheat were exported from China in December 2003, registering a remarkable rise of 895%.

Between January and December 2003, China's accumulated wheat exports totalled 2,237,481 tons, up by 225% compared to the same period of 2002. China's wheat was mainly exported to the following countries:

• South Korea at 871,262 tons, a year-on-year rise of 62%;
  
  
• Philippines at 650,714 tons, a year-on-year rise of 1974%;
  
  
• Indonesia at 121,443 tons, a year-on-year rise of 14%; 
  
  
• Bengal at 77,498 tons;
  
  
• Sri Lanka at 27,499 tons.