September 22, 2011

China's 2011-12 soy production will likely fall 10.6% to 13.5 million tonnes, according to an official at the National Grain and Oils Information Centre.

Output in the marketing year from October 1 is expected to fall mainly due to a drop in the area under cultivation as more farmers are switching to corn to benefit from higher corn prices, the official said.

This could result in 2011-12 soy imports rising by four million tons to 56 million tonnes amid strong demand for edible oils, he added.

China is the world's biggest importer of soy and sources most of its supply from the US and South America.