China purchased a total of 345 million metric tons of 2024 autumn grain by the end of April, according to data released by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration on Monday, marking one of the highest levels in recent years.

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Autumn grain purchases in China mainly cover mid- and late-season rice, corn and soybeans. The peak purchasing season runs from mid-September of the harvest year through the end of April the following year.

Autumn grain typically accounts for about three-quarters of the country's total annual grain purchases, contributing to a critical part of the food procurement efforts, the administration said.