Farmers in the Sihong county, East China's Jiangsu, dry the grains they have harvested on October 14, 2024. Photo: VCG

Imports of grains such as sorghum, corn, and soybeans from the US accounted for only a very small share of China's total grain consumption in 2024, and these imports were primarily used as feed grain, Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of China's National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic planner, said at a press conference on Monday. 

These remarks came in response to media inquiries about the potential impact of the US' so-called reciprocal tariffs on China's food and energy security, given China's role as a major importer of bulk commodities.

Zhao noted that these grains are highly substitutable, with ample supply available on the international market. Meanwhile, China's domestic grain reserves are also abundant. "Even if China were to suspend purchases of US feed grains and oilseeds, it would not have any significant impact on the country's grain supply," Zhao said.

Global Times