Grain imports bolster food supplies

China's grain imports surged strongly last year to more than 95 million metric tons, as the country took advantage of low international prices to meet rising national demand for food, according to a work report from the State Administration of Grain on Thursday.

The country imported 70 million metric tons of soybeans and 25 million metric tons of grains including wheat, corn, cassava and distillers' grain, a 22 percent year-on-year rise, the SAG forecast, based on customs statistics.

Ren Zhengxiao, the SAG director, said that as the average prices of China's three staple grains - corn, rice and wheat - remained 600 yuan ($96) per ton higher than foreign cereals, it was reasonable the country buys more from global markets to ensure sufficient domestic stocks and prevent unexpected supply risks.