(Yicai Global) Oct. 14 --  China, the world's largest importer of soybean, has decreased its  offshore purchases of the protein-rich animal feed during the first  three quarters of this year.

China bought 64.5 million  tons of soybean, down 7.9 percent from the same period of last year,  data released by the General Administration of Customs show.

China is expected to buy more of the agricultural commodity after making progress on trade talks with the US on Oct. 11. 

Last month, China purchased 8.2 million tons of soybean, which was more than the tally of 8 million tons a year ago. 

Editor: Emmi Laine