BEIJING, Aug. 1 -- Some Chinese firms, including both state-owned and private companies, have inquired with U.S. suppliers about the new purchases of U.S. farm produce including soybeans, cotton, pork and sorghum since July 19, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

Currently, a batch of deals have been made in line with market conditions, MOC spokesperson Gao Feng said at a news conference.

The Chinese enterprises involved have applied for the lifting of additional tariffs on some of the U.S. farm produce, and the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council will handle their applications according to stipulated procedures.