May 18, 2005

China's wheat imports likely to fall

China is expected to slash wheat imports by 3 million tonnes this year due to an increased domestic crop. The USDA expects imports to the country will be at four million tonnes instead of seven.

China was one of the world's biggest wheat importers last year, with Australia sending in more than 2.5 million tonnes, its first significant sale since 1996. Should imports to China fall, Australia will have to find markets elsewhere.