China is a very important market for U.S.farmers and agricultural exporters, a senior U.S. agriculture official said Wednesday in Shanghai.

Michael Scuse, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's acting under secretary, said that China's economic growth can bring opportunities to the U.S. agriculture sector.

Scuse is leading a delegation of American officials and businessmen in agriculture on a trade mission to China. Shanghai is their second stop after Sichuan Province and their last stop is Beijing.

As key trade partners, the world's two major economies have many opportunities in promoting bilateral ties and boosting trade, Scuse said.

China imported 13 percent of U.S. farm produce exports, while the United States accounted for 12 percent of China's agricultural products exports in 2010.