China Clears Way For U.S. Products

China has issued rules clearing the way for stepped-up imports of U.S. farm products by ending a ban on citrus and easing restrictions on meat, poultry and wheat, the Clinton administration said Wednesday.

China agreed a year ago to allow importation of the commodities under U.S.

certification and inspection standards but had delayed until late Tuesday releasing the necessary regulations for the shipments to start.

“This means China is now fully positioned to purchase U.S. meat and citrus and continue to expand its purchases of Pacific Northwest wheat,” U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky said. “This agreement signifies a new era in our bilateral agricultural relationship, one that is based on sound science and the mutual benefits of open markets.”