Chinese approval of Syngenta’s genetically engineered corn “increases the likelihood the seed maker will pay settlements” to farmers and exporters who sued over lost export sales, according to lawyers interviewed by Reuters. China rejected more than 1.2 million tonnes of U.S. corn since late 2013 on grounds they contained Syngenta’s MIR 162 variety. Attorneys told Reuters that with imports approved, Syngenta would have price references to use in figuring potential losses due to rejected cargoes. Syngenta has said the lawsuits, numbering in the dozens, are without merit. A spokesman did not respond to questions from Reuters on the subject. USDA approval cultivation of the variety in April 2010.