China clears way for farm imports

WASHINGTON (AP) -- China has issued rules to its ports that will end a ban on U.S. citrus and allow for increased shipments of meat, poultry and wheat, fulfilling an agreement reached nearly a year ago, administration officials say.

The agreement settled a series of disputes over inspection and certification standards, but China had delayed until late Tuesday releasing the necessary regulations for shipments to start.

''Final implementation of this agreement is a fundamental breakthrough for American's farmers and ranchers,'' Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said.

The Chinese action also removes a potential stumbling block in the administration's effort to get Congress to approve permanent normal trade relations for China.