China not avoiding US foodstuffs

China reiterated that United States accusations that it hasn't yet begun buying US agricultural products are groundless and it is continuing to implement previously signed agreements for soybean purchases, the National Development and Reform Commission said.

The NDRC, the country's top economic planner, said Chinese companies have recently purchased US crops such as soybeans, adding there are some pending deals due to the lack of price competitiveness.

From the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, in late June until the end of July, 2.27 million metric tons of US soybeans were shipped to China, according to the NDRC. Another 2 million tons of soybeans are expected to be shipped this month. The two countries have signed deals for 14 million tons of soybeans so far this year.