USDA Foreign Agricultural Service:update

 

The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Thursday, September 24, 2020.     China: China Notifies Draft National Food Safety Standards for Milk Powder   China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) notified revisions to the National Food Safety Standard: Milk Powder (GB19644-xxxx) to the WTO SPS Committee for comment as G/SPS/N/CHN/1160. The comment period has passed. China has not announced a proposed date of entry into force for the standard. This report contains an unofficial English translation of the draft standard solely for informational purposes. European Union: EU Launches Public Consultation on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains The European Commission launched a public consultation on the EU’s possible actions to reduce the impact of products placed on the EU market with regards to deforestation and forest degradation. Interested stakeholders have until December 10, 2020 to partake in the consultation.  Jordan: Grain and Feed Update   FAS Amman forecasts Jordan’s wheat imports in marketing year (MY) 2020/2021 to reach 900,000 metric tons (MT). Post foresees a drop of 100,000 MT in MY 2020/2021 import volumes compared to the earlier U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) official MY 2019/2020 figure of 1 million metric tons. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply is set to slow international wheat purchases for its targeted assistance program. FAS Amman forecasts corn imports in MY 2020/2021 at 500,000 MT, down 600,000 MT or 55 percent lower than the USDA official MY 2020/2021 figure of 1.1 million metric tons. Post attributes the drop in imports to decreased demand for feed corn by Jordan's poultry and dairy sectors. Rice imports in MY 2020/2021 are forecast at 215,000 MT, down 15,000 MT or 6.5 percent lower compared to the USDA official 2019/2020 estimate of 230,000 metric tons.