Citing local media reports, Meat and Livestock Australia says the trade deficit was $US2.06 billion ($A2.17 b), compared to a surplus of $US1.15b ($A1.21b) for the same period in 2007.

MLA reports that China's foreign trade in farm produce was $US14.67b($A15.44b) in January and February 2008, up 37pc compared with the same period last year.

Exports rose 7pc year-on-year to $US6.3b ($A6.63b), while imports soared 77pc to $US8.37b ($A8.81b).

In the two-month period, oilseed and meat product imports increased by 53pc and 52pc, respectively, while cereal, cotton, and sugar exports decreased by 72pc, 63pc and 47pc, respectively.

SOURCE: Meat and Livestock Australia.