What's wrong with all the wheat that's grown in the US and Canada? Is it really cheaper for the US govt to pay farmers not to grow wheat, and buy it from China instead?

it's cheaper

Exactly my reaction. Why in heck would the world's largest wheat producer be importing it from China? I just don't get it, but I'll bet somehow it makes money for Bush's pals.

I think the pet food in question is manufactured in Canada. So, the Canadians are importing the wheat gluten from China. But, waaayyy too many products in the USA are imported from China!!!

Ironically, yes it IS cheaper for companies in the US that need to buy wheat gluten to buy it on the international market than it is for them to buy it at home. Which is why they do it.The biggest cost of doing business for almost ANY business is paying employees, and the cost of paying them must be passed along to the consumer of the end product if the business is to stay profitable. Ultimately, the reason products from China cost less than products from the US is because American workers are greedier! (That's not necessarilly a bad thing, it is just the way it is.)

Because the US doesnt have enough merchandise to make them and its more cheaper.