China's imports of iron ore increase 18 percent in July compared to one year earlier, according to data released Friday by the General Administration of Customs.

The office said July iron ore imports totaled 39.63 million metric tons. For the period January to July 2008, iron ore imports were up 22 percent compared to the like period in 2007. China is the world's biggest importer of iron ore, most of which comes from Australia, Brazil and India.

The Administration also said soybean imports in July increased 16 percent on year to 3.5 billion tons, with Jan. to July soybean imports up 23 percent on year. China imports more soybeans than any other nation, with most of the imports coming from the U.S., Brazil and Argentina.

Chinese sugar imports were lower in July. The Administration said sugar imports fell 89 percent on year to 21,910 metric tons. Imports for the year through July were down 21 percent.

The world's largest importer of cotton, China imported 7.2 percent less of the material in July compared to July 2007. For the year through July, cotton imports were higher by 3.5 percent.

China is also the world's number-one importer of natural rubber products. The Administration Office said rubber imports were down 13 percent in July on year. Rubber imports for the year through July were up 11percent.