BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -China bought at least 10 cargoes of U.S. soybeans in contracts signed since Tuesday, two traders with knowledge of the deals said, extending a surge in buying after the recent thaw in U.S.-China trade relations.

All cargoes are scheduled for January shipment from U.S. Gulf Coast terminals and Pacific Northwest ports, the sources said.

One trader said 12 cargoes were bought, while the other estimated the volume at around 10 to 15 cargoes.