May 4, 2012

China does not permit GM corn seed import

In addition to bilateral agreements, China requires safety certificates for foreign GMO corn but has not yet approved the import of GMO corn seeds.

China, the top 2 corn consumer worldwide, is becoming a major corn importer to sustain the increasing demand mainly from animal feed makers as the world's most populous country consumes more meat.

China's quarantine bureau issued a statement to allow corn imports from Argentina from April 20 and initially agreed to import grains and grain products from Russia as it tries to expand its sources.

China imports corn mainly from the US, the world's largest exporter and grower of genetically-modified (GMO) corn. China also has phyto-sanitary protocols with Thailand, Peru and Laos. It is also negotiating a deal with Brazil.