But this may change if present trends continue and it gets harder to find non-GM sources for such ingredients as soya oil and maize syrup.

ECONOMIST: Another gene genie out of the bottle | The

Although Brazil enjoys a big overall trade surplus with China, most of its exports are of commodities (mainly iron ore, soya beans and crude oil).

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Soya beans and corn make oil and animal feed, as well as ethanol, to some controversy.

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Mr Rich had brought along some samples of his new invention, a concoction of soy-oil shortening, isolated soya protein, corn syrup and water, in the hopes of persuading them that this could taste as yummy, and whip as lightly, as heavy cream.

ECONOMIST: Robert Rich

Some analysts worry that a slowing of China's breakneck growth would cause prices for Latin America's soya beans and copper (not to mention oil) to crash.

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