April 10 - China's exports of sugar, rice and corn slumped in the first quarter of 2009, according to figures issued by the country's Customs Administrations department today.
For the period, its rice exports were 183,216 tonnes, worth US$131.3 – a year-on-year fall of 69.5% and 46% respectively.
Sugar exports were 9,700 tonnes with a value of US$4.8 million – representing a fall of 38% and 28% respectively compared to the same period in 2008.
Corn shipments plummeted by 87% in volume and almost 89% in value after reaching 10,473 tonnes and US$2.5 million respectively.