Nov 24, 2021
BEIJING, CHINA – Last week, USA Rice met with the International Trade Department of China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) Food Grain, a subsidiary of the COFCO Group. COFCO is a state-owned enterprise and China's largest food processor, manufacturer and trader. The two organizations shared updates on their respective country’s rice crops and discussed the global rice trade.
Everyone agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on trade, particularly shipment delays.
“USA Rice suggested that Chinese companies, such as COFCO, purchase U.S. rice to help promote the development of bilateral trade,” said Peter Bachmann, USA Rice vice president, international trade policy. “China is the largest importer, consumer, and producer of rice, and the U.S. has only sent a few containers there to date. We are prepared to do so much more.”
Both sides expressed appreciation for the sharing of information and look forward to the opportunity to meet again in person.