BEIJING — China imported more pork and beef in the first three quarters this year, data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) showed on Oct 14.

The country imported 1.33 million tons of pork during the period, up 43.6 percent year-on-year, while beef imports increased 53.4 percent to 1.13 million tons, the GAC said.

China prohibited importing food from disease-infected countries and regions, refused the entry of unqualified products and cracked down on pork smuggling as well as other illegal acts concerning meat products.

The country improved the registration efficiency of qualified overseas meat producers. Imported pork and chilled meat enjoyed prioritized testing and clearance at China's customs, said GAC spokesman Li Kuiwen.

Customs data showed the country's total foreign trade volume rose 2.8 percent year-on-year to 22.91 trillion yuan (about $3.2 trillion) in the first nine months.