BCN-11 China customs gives green light for US rice imports

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BCN-11

CHINA-US-ECONOMY-TRADE

China customs gives green light for US rice imports

BEIJING, Dec 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – China’s customs administration announced
Friday it had approved US rice imports, a move that comes during a 90-day
tariff truce between the two countries which are engaged in a bruising trade
war.

US rice that meets inspection and quarantine requirements will be allowed
to enter the country, according to a notice by China’s customs authority
released Friday and dated December 27.

Requirements for US rice exporters include registration with the US
Department of Agriculture and adherence to US and Chinese phytosanitary laws
and regulations.

The approval comes more than a year after the two countries agreed on a
phytosanitary protocol that would allow US rice imports in China for the
first time.

Relations between China and the US have continued to thaw following a truce
agreed by both leaders on the sidelines of the G20 in Buenos Aires.

Earlier this month, China’s major state-owned grain stockpiler said it had
resumed buying US soybeans, and Beijing announced it would suspend extra
tariffs added to US-made cars and auto parts starting January 1.

On Thursday, China said that trade negotiators from China and the US are
planning to meet in January for talks.

BSS/AFP/SR/1955 HRS