China’s U.S. agricultural imports soar to new highs in 2022, but volumes vary

The exported cost of U.S. corn to China in H1 2022 was 21% higher than in H1 last year, soybeans 23% higher and cotton 34% higher. (File pic shows mechanised corn planting in the U.S.)

NAPERVILLE, Ill.,: China is on track to be the leading international buyer of U.S. agricultural products for a third consecutive year, as the total value of exported goods reached record levels in the first half of 2022.

Some of that can be explained by increased trade volumes of certain items, particularly beef, but much of the boost can also be attributed to significantly higher prices this year versus last.