China’s state-run buyers have bought more than 12 million metric tonnes of US soybeans. Sinograin and COFCO placed the orders, covering nearly half of China’s 25-million-tonne buying commitment.

Chinese buyers took about one million tonnes in the week of September 14 alone, just ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in Washington.

USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg said China remains on track to meet its farm purchase promises. He said total yearly farm sales to China were holding up.

Private Chinese crushers have largely stayed out of the market. They prefer to leave the buying to state firms while an extra 10 per cent tariff still applies to US soybeans.

The purchases ease pressure on American farmers before harvest. They also give Beijing room to claim progress on the summit’s farm trade promises.

The orders were placed through state trading firms in recent weeks. US officials said more cargoes are lined up for loading. Farmers in the Midwest hope the buying spree continues into the new year.