China to import 5.5 million tons of U.S. soybeans

China to import 5.5 million tons of U.S. soybeans    China this week signed contracts to purchase more than 5.5 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans at a value of nearly $3 billion.
   U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the deal is 'a strong sign that China continues to look to the United States as a reliable supplier of high-quality products.'
   The USDA chief noted that U.S. farm exports to China grew nearly tenfold over the past decade, from $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2000 to $15 billion in 2010. “Last year, China became the second largest export market for U.S. agriculture overall and remained the largest market for U.S. soybeans, with 2010 sales of $9 billion,' Vilsack said.