USDA Accepting Applications for United Kingdom Trade Mission WASHINGTON, March 23, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for an agricultural trade mission to the United Kingdom (U.K.) June 22-24, 2022. The mission offers U.S. growers, producers, and exporters the opportunity to explore this dynamic market and to meet the consumer demand in the U.K. Consumer-oriented foods and beverages are the most important sector for U.S. agricultural exports to the U.K, accounting for more than $1 billion of the $2.7 billion of exported U.S. agricultural and related products to the U.K in 2021. The USDA-sponsored trade mission to the U.K. is one of four upcoming international trade missions Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 11 that support USDA’s commitment to expanding and diversifying global market opportunities for U.S. agriculture and exporters. “The U.K. is the third-largest economy in Europe and its consumers demand the world-class products available from U.S. agriculture producers,” said Vilsack. “This mission can open doors to this critical market for U.S. ag exporters regardless of their size and products.” As U.K.’s demand for U.S. consumer-oriented food and beverages increases, the market delivers strong potential for U.S. exporters of processed products, dried and processed fruit, nuts, fish and seafood, fresh produce, organic products, U.S. ethanol, wood pellets and more. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will provide trade mission delegates a platform to conduct face-to-face meetings for the first time since the pandemic began and receive in-depth market briefings and tours from FAS and industry trade experts who can facilitate the export of U.S. products to the U.K. The deadline to apply for the U.K. trade mission is April 8. For more information, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions or email trademissions@usda.gov. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. #

The following GAIN reports were released on March 24, 2022. _______   Brazil: Brazil Eliminates Import Tariffs for Ethanol through December 2022  On Monday, March 21st, the Government of Brazil (GOB) decided to temporarily eliminate the import tariff of ethanol, as well as five other agricultural products (coffee, margarine, cheese, spaghetti, sugar, and soybean oil). The decision was made at a meeting of the Executive Management Committee (GECEX) of the Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade (CAMEX), in order to help mediate rising gasoline prices. Zeroing the tariff should benefit exports of U.S. ethanol to Brazil, which have been negatively impacted by tariffs since 2017.   India: Cotton and Products Annual FAS Mumbai (Post) forecasts MY 2022/23 cotton production will increase by five percent to 27.7 million 480 lb. bales on an area of 12.7 million hectares, two percent higher than last year. Yields are expected to improve by two percent to 475 kilograms per hectare on the expectation of a normal monsoon. Mill consumption is estimated to rise by three percent based on continued robust textile export demand. Exports are expected to expand by ten percent to 5.5 million bales due to greater exportable supplies along with larger global supplies that keep Indian cotton prices competitive. Imports are expected to rise by 50 percent to 1.5 million bales based on the expectation of local traders that the Government of India will reduce or remove the tariff on extra-long staple cotton to help local industry achieve their textile export targets.   Morocco: Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report On October 12, 2021, the United States and Morocco completed a sanitary certificate for exports of U.S. live aquatic animals to Morocco. The completion of this certificate offers new opportunities for U.S. exporters of live aquatic animals intended for farming. This report provides information on export certificates that the Government of Morocco requires. The Moroccan food safety authority, “Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires” (ONSSA) is the national authority responsible for ensuring food safety and food regulations in the country.   Philippines: Grain and Feed Annual FAS Manila forecasts Market Year (MY) 2022/23 milled rice production will reach 12.4 million metric tons (MT), flat with the previous year’s near-record high. The Philippine government’s support programs will help rice farmers partially offset rising input costs. Rice imports are seen at 2.8 million MT, 200,000 MT lower than MY 2021/22. Post forecasts MY 2022/23 wheat imports declining 3 percent to 6.3 million MT, as the Ukraine conflict results in rising prices and supply challenges. Corn is expected to supplement some feed wheat demand, while milling wheat consumption is seen slightly declining for more affordable rice. Corn production in MY 2022/23 is forecast at 8.3 million MT, rebounding from the previous year’s lower level. Post forecasts MY 2022/23 corn imports at 750,000 MT, as feed wheat prices are elevated by the Ukraine conflict.   South Africa: Grain and Feed Annual After exceptional consecutive production seasons of solid growth supported by relatively high commodity prices and favorable weather conditions, wheat and corn producers in South Africa are optimistically looking forward to the 2022 production season. However, the availability and cost of production inputs, especially fertilizer, are discouraging a more bullish production outlook. The cost of farming inputs more than doubled the past year, increasing the risk of production in a weather dependent industry. As a result, Post forecasts that South Africa’s corn area will stay flat in marketing year (MY) 2022/23, while wheat area will increase by a modest 10 percent. However, South Africa should maintain its status as a net exporter of corn in MY 2022/23 with exports of around 2.5 million metric tons (MMT), while wheat and wheat products imports should remain at 1.7 MMT. South Africa’s rice imports are expected to increase by three percent to 1.1 MMT on a marginal growth in demand.   Tanzania: Grain and Feed Annual MY2022/23 corn production is forecast to decrease by approximately 16 percent to 5.9 million metric tons (MMT) due to drought conditions, fall armyworm infestations, and high fertilizer prices. Rice and wheat imports will continue to rise in MY2022/23 to 1.23 MMT and 250,000 metric tons (MT), respectively to offset domestic production declines and satisfy rising food demand.   Turkey: Food Processing Ingredients Turkey’s food sector is diverse and growing, despite COVID-19 and recent economic difficulties. COVID-19 prompted a health and wellness trend among many middle-class consumers, who are looking for healthier processed and packaged food products. Turkey’s food and beverage sector depends on domestic and imported ingredients, a large portion of which are sourced from Europe. European ingredients enjoy zero or low import duties under preferential trade agreements, as well as lower freight costs.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.