November 28, 2012

China to see 10% increase for wheat imports in 2013

China's wheat imports are expected to rise 10% in 2013 to three million tonnes.

"The balance of demand and supply of wheat is tightening due to rising consumption and a decrease in acreage," Bi Jieying, assistant professor at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said.

The growth potential for the domestic wheat yield is limited and the amount of acreage available has declined steadily after peaking in the early 1990's, she said.

Wheat imports have more than doubled this year amid rising demand for animal feed, according to the institute. Demand for feed next year will likely total 12.4 million tonnes, up 6% from this year's forecast total.

Ms. Bi said the institute's forecasts are based on an analysis of past years' production and consumption trends.

China's wheat output is forecast at 118.3 million tonnes next year, little changed from the 118.1 million tonnes forecast for this year, she said. Consumption is expected to rise to 119.6 million tonnes in 2013 from 119.1 million tonnes in 2013, she said.