November 15, 2004

China Jan-Oct Soybean Imports Down 15.7%

China imported 15.52 million metric tons of soybeans in the first 10 months of this year, a drop of 15.7% on year, while edible oil imports rose 38.5% on year to 5.79 million tons, state media reported late Friday.

The official Xinhua News Agency report didn't provide any import data for October alone, nor did it provide a breakdown for edible oils or any explanation for the changes.

The report also said nonferrous metal imports in the first 10 months were valued at RMB11.4 billion, up 42.8% on year.