May 5, 2006

USDA optimistic about Chinese imports of US corn

The US Department of Agriculture is optimistic over the possibility of China becoming a substantial importer of US corn this year, Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Mike Yost said Thursday (May 4).

Yost, in a recording posted on USDA's website, said he and other officials believe that "it's more realistic this year than ever" that China will import significant amounts of corn.

USDA officials in China believe China is already buying small amounts of US corn, Yost said, and predicted that will increase.

"There are small amounts, we're told, on-water and in route to China now in a few containers," Yost said. "We anticipate larger quantities probably this fall after harvest."