China is on its way to becoming the largest buyer of basic foodstuffs

China’s wheat imports are booming, as the Asian country is heading to be the largest country that buys basic foodstuffs during this season, and Russia is the largest exporter, according to Bloomberg.

Beijing said last year it would allow imports from all over Russia, trade has been held up by a host of issues, including phytosanitary regulations and transportation challenges.

The future of wheat and meat shipments is likely to be on the agenda when Russian government officials and executives meet for a business forum scheduled in China this week, said Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev.

On the other hand, Beijing’s purchases of energy and aluminum increased, due to the resulting sanctions cutting off supplies to the West.