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

Meanwhile, China said it would ban imports of soya oil from Argentina, seemingly in reprisal for anti-dumping measures against textile and other exports to Argentina.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

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).

ECONOMIST: Brazil��s trade policy

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

BBC: US crops tell story of future world food prices

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.

ECONOMIST: Latin America needs more reform. Now is a good time to do it