March 9, 2012

China's February soy imports seen at 3.53 million tonnes 

Last month, the soy imports of China will possibly amount to 3.53 million tonnes, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday (Mar 7).

This would be a 23% decline from January's imports and a 52% increase compared with February 2011.

In March, China is likely to import 4.1 million tonnes of soy, it said.

The ministry's estimates are based on reports from importers during the February 16-29 period.

The state-backed China National Grain and Oils Information Center Thursday forecast February and March soy imports slightly higher, at four million and 4.1 million tonnes, respectively.

The ministry's regular forecast may not tally with the actual import figure, as it does not include all cargoes. It issues the estimates twice a month.