China allows first-ever US rice imports

China announced Friday that it would allow rice imports from the U.S. for the first time in its history, an apparent gesture meant to cool trade tensions with the Trump administration as the two countries prepare for broader trade talks early next year.

Beijing said on its customs authority’s website Friday that imports of brown rice, polished rice, and crushed rice from the U.S. are now allowed, provided they meet China’s inspection standards and are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture as well. It did not indicate how much rice it was willing to buy, however.