Over 40 million tons of autumn grain purchased in China

China is stepping up the purchase of autumn grain, with companies in the country's major grain-producing areas purchasing over 40 million tons of grain so far, data from the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration showed on Friday.

The planting areas of this year's autumn grain grow steadily and the per-unit yield of grain increases significantly, which ensures most provinces and regions in China see higher autumn grain output.

Middle- and late-season rice are sold on market as the purchasing activities are carried out from south to north of China. Over 23 million tons of middle- and late-season rice have been purchased by far.

This year China set the floor purchase price for indica rice and japonica rice at 2,580 yuan (around 362.22 U.S. dollars) per ton and 2,620 yuan (around 367.84 U.S. dollars) per ton respectively to protect the interests of growers in the country's main producing areas.

The purchase price of high-quality rice across China is significantly higher than that of ordinary rice.

The purchase price difference between high-quality and ordinary varieties ranges from 300 to 600 yuan (around 42.12 to 84.24 U.S. dollars) per ton, according to Cheng Min, senior economist from China National Grain and Oils Information Center.

"The price of middle- and late-season rice in new season is expected to remain generally stable this year, with higher purchase prices set for rice of higher quality," said Cheng.

Over 40 million tons of autumn grain purchased in China

Over 40 million tons of autumn grain purchased in China

A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said on Monday that the situation in waters near the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, urging vessels in the area to take maximum caution.

"The situation continues to be volatile. Ships should take maximum caution and not take risks without security guarantees," the spokesperson said in a statement.

According to the information released on the IMO website, as of April 19, a total of 24 attacks on ships in the affected waters had been confirmed, resulting in the deaths of 10 seafarers.

The IMO, the United Nations specialized agency responsible for maritime safety and security, as well as the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships, has called for de-escalation, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday that with the U.S. repeatedly violating ceasefire deals and posing threats to Iran’s ports and vessels, a unilateral return to normal shipping remains out of reach.

Also on Monday, the U.S. Central Command claimed in a social media post that the U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports since its blockade on navigation through the Strait starting April 13.

However, according to a report released from Lloyd's List on Monday, at least 26 vessels involved in Iranian shipping had managed to break through the U.S. blockade.

IMO urges ships near Strait of Hormuz to be on maximum alert