BEIJING: China's soyabean imports in June from top supplier Brazil soared to a record high, according to customs data released on Sunday, driven by growing demand for soyabeans as China's pig herd recovers after deadly outbreaks of African swine fever.

The world's top soyabean buyer brought in 10.51 million tonnes of the oilseed from the South American country in June, up 91% from 5.5 million tonnes in the previous year, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. The June figures were also up 18.6% from May imports from Brazil at 8.86 million tonnes.

China's overall soyabean imports in June were a record 11.16 million tonnes as Chinese processors also made the most of lower Brazilian prices as better weather facilitated exports. China brought in 267,553 tonnes of soyabeans from the United States in June, down 56.5% from 614,805 tonnes in the previous year. Imports fell 45.6% from 491,697 tonnes in May.