JANUARY ASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9China, the world's biggest consumer of soybeans and corn, will press for higher corn yields in major agricultural countries to ensure food security for its large population, state media said on Wednesday, citing a foreign policy conference. It reported corn harvests and other grain yields this year. But China remains concerned about food security, especially in the face of rising tensions with trading partners, climate-related disasters and escalating military conflicts.This year's record wheat production of 289 million square meters was achieved due to a 2.7% increase in planted areas as control was re-established on land ear-marked for other crops for the main crops.Policymakers said China will "resolutely" hold an annual meeting to outline foreign policy for the coming year. Clean up the wheat sowing area and promote a significant increase in wheat yield. Xinhua news agency reported late Dec 20.It did not outline specific measures to boost yields, but Chinese corn breeders are preparing to plant more than double the amount of genetically modified corn next year than in 2023 as Beijing slowly introduces a technol-ogy that typically lifts yields.Policymakers also said China should "consolidate the results of soybean expansion," according to state media. China has boosted its domestic soybean production significantly in the last two years by promoting more planting to reduce its reliance on overseas imports.The policy, however, has resulted in excess produc-tion of non-genetically modified soybeans for food use, forcing Beijing to buy up some of the supplies for state reserves. Japanese smartphone parts supplier Murata Manufacturing wants to expand sales beyond its concentrated base of low-cost smartphone makers targeting emerging markets. Murata, a leading battery supplier, expects the smartphone market to grow by five percent in March 2025, driven by demand for mid-range phones in regions such as India, Africa and Southeast Asia.Chinese manufacturers are increasing their exports to regions where the population is growing. President Norio Murata Nakajima said in an interview.Murata, a supplier to Apple and Samsung Electronics, is one of the industry players facing falling demand for smartphones as consumers spend more time with their phones. Smartphone sales rose five percent in October compared with the same period last year after more than two years of decline, driven by demand from emerging markets, according to data from research firm Counterpoint.Nakajima said the stock is only available in China. Last month, Apple said demand for iPhones in China remained strong, while analysts pointed to strong smartphone sales from local giant Huawei Technologies.Murata Manufacturing is a Japanese electronics manufacturer based in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto. It mainly produces electronic components such as capacitors and has the largest share of the global market in ceramic filters, high-end components and sensors. There are 24 companies in Japan and 52 overseas in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and India. NEWSROOMCHINA TO BOOST FOOD GRAIN PRODUCTION TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITYMURATA MANUFACTURING TO FORAY INTO LOWER-END CHINESE MARKETS
< Page 8 | Page 10 >