CHINA imported the most palm oil in more than six years last month after the outbreak of African swine fever hurt domestic soybean crushing and the country cut soy imports from the United States amid the trade conflict.

China bought 590,000 tons of palm oil in August, almost double last year’s amount and the highest monthly total since December 2012, according to customs data late Monday. Imports in the first eight months of the year rose 59 percent to 3.42 million tons.

Swine fever has slashed the country’s hog herd and lowered demand for soybean meal, used in livestock feed, so that fewer beans are crushed and less oil is produced. Reduced U.S. imports have also shrunk the quantity of beans available for processing, leaving China in need of edible oil alternatives.

Palm oil imports are expected to stay high in September and October, with imports of more than 600,000 tons each month likely, according to the China National Grain and Oils Information Center.

China’s palm oil imports in the year starting October may rise to a record 7 million tons, versus 6.5 million tons in the current year, according to the center.

Reduced soy oil output is likely to boost the country’s total edible oil imports in the current year to 10 million tons, up from 7.5 million tons in the previous year, it said.(SD-Agencies)