China Tightens FM Standard for U.S. Soybeans China intends to tighten its foreign material (FM) standard for U.S. soybeans, effective 1 January 2018. Soybeans arriving after that date containing 1 percent or less FM will be expedited for importation, while those with a level above that will be subject to additional testing. China indicates the change is needed to reduce the amount of weed seed in arriving cargoes from the U.S. While some industry sources suggest the new policy was developed in consultation with USDA/FGIS staff, another expects China to shift the maximum acceptable level to 1 percent. Traditionally, China has purchased soybeans on a USDA #2 contract, which specifies cargoes must contain no more than 2 percent FM on average...

TAGS – Soy & Oilseeds, Asia, China, North America, South America