China to allow U.S. soybean shipments

WASHINGTON - China has agreed to phase in a new requirement that biotech crops be certified for their safety, clearing the way for shipments of U.S. soybeans to resume, government and industry officials said Thursday. <br> <br> The rules, announced last year, require that U.S. shippers certify the safety of genetically engineered soybeans. Industry officials say they believe they can meet the standards but are unclear how the certification process will work. <br> <br> China has agreed to a nine-month grace period before requiring the new paperwork, said Peter Thornton, Asia marketing manager for the American Soybean Association. <br> <br> ``In essence this looks very good,&#39;&#39; said Thornton. ``This looks as if they have freed up the logjam and that exports can resume as normal.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> In February, exporters began canceling contracts for soybean shipments that wouldn&#39;t reach China before March 20, when the rules take effect. <br> <br> ``We understand that China is developing an interim arrangement to reduce trade disruptions,&#39;&#39; said Richard Mills, a spokesman for the U.S. trade representative. <br> <br> About two-thirds of U.S. soybeans are genetically engineered so that the crop can survive when sprayed with a powerful weedkiller. <br> <br> The Chinese bought 5.2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans last year, up from 4.3 million the previous year. U.S. farmers export about 27 million metric tons of soybeans annually.