GAIN update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on November 2-3, 2022. _______   Egypt: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual In 2022, industries report a 35 to 40 percent increase in cultivation costs to reach almost $28,000 per hectare. The increase in costs is due to the challenges of US dollar liquidity and high inflation. In MY 2022/2021, production is expected to reach 1.48 MMT and exports are forecasted at 180,000 MT. In 2022, Egypt added Sri-Lanka and Cameron to the list of importing countries.   Germany: Halal and Kosher Food Market in the Making Germany has more than 83 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers and is by far the biggest market in the European Union. Although halal and kosher food are considered niche markets, the German market offers opportunities for U.S. exporters of such products. This report provides U.S. exporters with background information and suggestions for entering the German market.   Philippines: Brewing Ingredients and Beer Market Brief Prospects for U.S. brewing ingredients remain strong amidst a robust local beer manufacturing industry. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the Philippines, accounting for 72 percent of total alcohol consumption or 2.1 billion liters annually. Export prospects in the region are especially strong because of the country’s membership in various free trade agreements and its strategic location. While imported beer accounts for less than one percent of total consumption, traders are optimistic the country’s resumption of economic activities and its young and growing population will drive sales of imported craft beer in the coming years.   Philippines: Philippines Approved Bt Eggplant for Commercial Cultivation On October 18, 2022, The Government of the Philippines marked Bt eggplant as its third genetically engineered crop approved for commercial propagation, following Bt corn and Golden Rice. Bt eggplant’s approval followed regulatory procedures as detailed in the revised Joint Department Circular, which showed proof of the Philippines commitment to science and improvements in biotechnology as a tool to advance Sustainable Development Goal number 2.   Saudi Arabia: Barley Trade Quarterly Saudi Arabia’s barley imports for the first six months of MY 2022/23 (July – Dec. 2022) are estimated at 2.6 million metric tons (MMT), an increase of six percent compared to the same period last year. Post’s current projection for total barley imports for MY 2022/23 is 4.5 MMT, which is a decrease of four percent compared to the USDA official estimate of 4.7 MMT. Unless the price of barley drastically decreases, Post anticipates demand will remain low throughout MY 2022/23.   South Africa: Grain and Feed Update Post forecasts that South Africa’s corn area will stay flat in marketing year 2022/23. The current high input cost environment and an upsurge in soybean plantings are deterring any bullish outlook in expanding corn area, despite record high commodity prices and three consecutive bumper crops. Higher farming input costs are escalating the risk of production in a weather-dependent industry. Nevertheless, South Africa should maintain its status as a net exporter of corn under normal weather conditions. South African corn crop in marketing year 2021/22 is estimated at 16.0 million metric tons, surpassing marketing year 2019/20 as the third largest corn crop ever produced in South Africa. Consequently, South Africa is heading for 3.0 million metric tons of corn exports in marketing year 2021/22.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.