China commodities

China still buying commodities. New data just released, shows China continues to purchase more U.S. farm commodities.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office updated the export data on China. The Farm Bureau’s Economist John Newton says China has committed to nearly three-quarters of its Phase One agreement goals for 2020.

“We saw a report from USTR this past week that indicated China’s made purchases, this includes products that have been exported as well as products that have yet to be shipped, totaling nearly $24 billion, that’s approximately 71 percent of their Phase One goal for calendar year 2020,” said Newton.

The Farm Bureau says the key here is that export commitments turn into actual shipments of products.

“We’ve obviously seen the Chinese make a number of structural changes to further advance agricultural trade with the United States. We’ve seen strong new crop purchases of corn and soybeans in particular. China’s been a big player in the pork market this year as well. So, I think all of this is a step in the right direction. We do need to see those export commitments turn in to actual shipments for this goal to be realized,” said Newton.

According to the Farm Bureau, the improved export demand has led to increased commodity prices.