China Has Approved Soybean Meal Imports from Ethiopia to Diversify Supplies

China has approved the import of soybean meal from Ethiopia, according to a statement from Chinese customs, as part of efforts to expand protein sources amid the trade war between Beijing and Washington.

The statement says that from July 3, imports of Ethiopian soybean meal that meet China's phytosanitary standards and are free of pests will be permitted.

"This is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce dependence on imported soybeans. Volumes are expected to be small," said Rosa Van, an analyst at Shanghai agricultural consulting company JCI.