August 24, 2009

China's soy imports in August are likely to fall to 2.39 million tonnes, the lowest so far this year, according to a report by the Ministry of Commerce.

The country imported 3.83 million tonnes of soy in August last year.

In September, soy imports are also likely to be at 2.11 million tonnes, almost half of the year-earlier level, the ministry said.

Monthly soy imports have been above 3 million tonnes in each of the first seven months of this year.

The August and September estimates, published on the ministry's Web site, were based on importers' reports during Aug. 1-Aug. 15. The regular forecasts are usually lower than actual amounts as it doesn't include all cargoes.

The ministry issues the estimates twice a month.