October 10, 2012

China maintains low-tariff import quotas for key grain categories and cotton in 2013.

The quotas were set under negotiations for China's entry to the World Trade Organisation and have been unchanged since 2004.

Wheat imports are limited next year to a quota of 9.636 million tonnes, the National Development and Reform Commission said. State-owned companies are entitled to 90% of the quota, it said.

The corn quota is set at 7.2 million tonnes, while rice imports are restricted to 5.32 million tonnes, it said. State-owned companies are entitled to 60% of the corn quota and 50% of the rice quota.

The cotton quota will be 894,000 tonnes, it said. State companies are entitled to 33% of the quota.