GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NETWORK(GAIN) update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on March 13, 2024. _______   Canada: Starter Guide for Food and Beverage Suppliers This report aims to educate U.S. food manufacturers on the unique and subtle differences in doing business in Canada, relative to the United States. The guide addresses challenges and opportunities in the market and provides a guideline of common basic business practices in Canada. Egypt: Red Sea Disruptions Challenge Egyptian Citrus Exports Attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial vessels have resulted in many shipping companies rerouting away from two of the world's busiest shipping routes — the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The risks posed by these attacks (primarily in the Bab al-Mandab corridor) have disrupted global trade and the supply chain, including Egyptian citrus exports. Given the challenges of accessing certain key markets, primarily in Asia, FAS/Cairo is amending its forecast for Egyptian orange exports for marketing year 2023/2024 (October to September) – reducing the forecast by 250,000 metric tons (to 1.75 million metric tons). India: India Grain and Feed - Quarterly Update - March 2024 On February 29, 2024, India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) released its Indian crop year (ICY) 2023/2024 (July-June) Second Advance Estimate. The MoAFW is forecasting grain production (excluding the summer crop) lower at 309.3 million metric tons (MMT) compared to 313.6 MMT last year on expected lower production of rice, corn, and other coarse grains, while wheat and barley production is forecast higher at new record levels. Market year (MY) (April-March) wheat ending stocks are revised lower to 7.3 MMT. Rice ending stocks revised higher to 36.5 MMT based on the latest government grain stocks estimates. Assuming current export policy for rice and price parity for Indian corn compared to global supplies, the MY 2023/2024 rice exports forecast is lowered to 15 MMT and corn to 1 MMT. Consumption estimates are adjusted to reflect production-supply- distribution (PSD) changes. India: India Lowers and or Eliminates Import Duties for Turkey - Cranberries - Blueberries - Cotton On February 19, 2024, India's Ministry of Finance (MoF)/Department of Revenue issued Notification No. 10/2024-Customs in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection (i) (official gazette), lowering import duties levied on frozen turkey (meat) and edible offal, cranberries, and blueberries. India is also eliminating import duties levied on U.S. cotton (not carded or combed). The revised import duties are effective as of February 20, 2024. U.S.-origin frozen turkey (meat) and edible offal exports to India are expected to grow to 35 metric tons (MT) in 2024 (i.e., premised on U.S. product availability) thanks to this tariff relaxation. India’s imports of U.S.-origin cranberries and blueberries are foreseen to increase this year by over 19 percent, reaching roughly 3,640 MT. Consignments of U.S. cotton (not carded or combed), in 2024 might grow 70 percent, surpassing the 40,300 MT mark. India: India's Wine Product Labeling Requirements - Update 2024 FAS India (New Delhi, Mumbai) (Post) is updating the earlier GAIN-INDIA | IN2020-0195 | FSSAI Publishes Regulations for Alcoholic Beverages report. Post’s new report highlights product specific updates for the labeling of wine products Harmonized Tariff System (HS) codes 2204 and 2205 to be imported into India, in accordance with the Indian government’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). India imported over $433 million (6.7 million liters) in wine products in 2023, of which U.S. sourced wine consignments of about $1.2 million (184 thousand liters) represented the eighth largest product origin. India: Livestock and Products Semi-annual FAS New Delhi (Post) forecasts India's market year (MY) 2024 (January-December) cattle herd at 307.42 million head, up marginally from 307.4 million head in 2023. A gradual pace of growth is likely to persist in the short- to medium-term. Government policy and focused action are propelling this growth. The production of Indian carabeef (i.e., meat derived from the Asian domestic water buffalo) is supplying domestic and international demand. Post estimates in MY 2024 carabeef production at 4.61 million metric tons (MMT) on a carcass-weight-equivalent (CWE) basis, compared to 4.47 MMT in 2023. Domestic consumption is likely to grow to 2.97 MMT in 2024, up from 2.92 MMT in 2023. Exports are expected to jump to 1.64 MMT in 2024, up from 1.55 MMT in 2023. Nigeria: Grain and Feed Annual Due to rising insecurity in grain producing regions and higher input costs affecting planting decisions, corn and rice production is expected to decline in marketing year (MY) 2024/25. Corn, wheat, and rice consumption is also expected to decline due to high retail sale prices, a weakened naira, and decreased consumer purchasing power. Corn production is estimated to decrease 8 percent to 11.0 million metric tons (MMT) and consumption is expected to decrease by 9 percent to 11.5 MMT in MY 2024/25. Wheat consumption in MY 2024/25 will decrease nearly 9 percent to 4.2 MMT, and imports are forecasted to decrease by 8 percent to 4.4 MMT. Informal exports of corn, rice, and sorghum to neighboring countries are expected to increase in due to the favorable currency exchange rate for the West Africa CFA franc relative to the Nigerian naira.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 12, 2024.

_______

 

Australia: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

Australia’s food, beverage, and grocery sectors, contribute to a third of all business activity in the manufacturing landscape. According to the Australian Food and Grocery Council, in 2021-22, this sector experienced a seven percent growth in turnover, reaching US$95.1 billion. Australia’s total food processing ingredients imports for 2023 totaled $13.2 billion, with the United States accounting for US$1.1 billion.

China: Top Ag Policy Document Outlines Food Security and Rural Development Priorities in 2024

On February 3, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee and the State Council unveiled the 2024 No. 1 Document that sets policy guidelines for agriculture and rural development for the year. The document makes clear that food security remains a top priority for the CCP with a focus on improving crop yield. The document places increased attention on rural revitalization (rural development) this year, such as upgrading rural industries, enhancing the level of rural construction, and improving rural governance. This report contains key policy measures and unofficial translation of the 2024 No. 1 Document.

Colombia: Poultry Market in Colombia Reopens to US Exports 

In February 2024, U.S. exporters regained market access to the Colombian poultry market, valued at over $100 million annually.

South Korea: Vegetable Oil Market Overview

This report analyzes all vegetable oil markets in Korea, whether for food or industrial use, and covers oils derived from soybean, palm, palm kernel, olive, rapeseed/canola, grapeseed, sunflower seed, corn, coconut, sesame, perilla seed (a leafy plant from the mint family), and rice bran. Supply of vegetable oil in Korea is mainly imported, and the top three oils – palm oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed (canola) oil – are substitutes for each other, resulting in varying market share of each oil depending on global market price fluctuations. Sesame and perilla seed oil consumption remains almost constant from year to year, as these oils have a distinct consumer market for flavoring traditional Korean dishes. The share of biodiesel in the total vegetable oil market stands at around 20 percent, but it is expected to increase gradually in line with the Korean government’s plans to expand the biodiesel blending mandate.

Ukraine: Livestock and Products Semi-annual

In 2023, Ukraine's cattle inventory and beef production remained on a three-decade-long downward trend. The decrease in consumer numbers and comparatively high beef prices resulted in a domestic consumption drop and increased exports of both live cattle for slaughter and beef. Production and consumption are expected to decrease further in 2024. The swine inventory is expected to be stable in 2024. The swine herd is expected to remain stable in 2024. A surge in EU pork prices in 2023 led to lower imports from the EU and incentivized domestic production. As a result, the swine herd did not decline in 2023 as much as previously expected. Pork production is expected to grow insignificantly in 2024. A possible pork price decline may lead to slight import growth, but no return to massive imports is expected in 2024 due to stable domestic production and consumption. Ukraine remains an African Swine Fever-affected country, with most export markets closed.

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on March 08, 2024.

_______

 

China: Livestock and Products Semi-Annual

Post forecasts economic headwinds will continue to impact consumption of both pork and beef in 2024. Swine and pork production in 2024 will be marginally down 3 percent as persistently low live hog and pork prices weigh on producers. However, pork imports may grow marginally to offset the forecasted decline in domestic pork production. Beef imports in 2024 could decline due to the high year-end inventory carried over into 2024 and an expected flat demand. Both swine and cattle imports could also decline due to financial challenges among producers.

Peru: Oilseeds and Products Annual

After the 2023/24 El Niño cycle, fishmeal production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is expected to recuperate back to 1.1 million metric tons (MMT), a 39 percent increase compared to the previous year's estimates. Fishmeal exports in MY 2024/25 are forecast at 1.08 MMT, recovering 35 percent compared to the previous year. Due to the probability of a return to La Niña weather conditions, total catch and fishmeal production are expected to increase in calendar year (CY) 2024.

 

For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

USDA Trade Mission Builds New Opportunities for U.S. Agribusinesses in South Korea

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 – Representatives from 49 U.S. companies and organizations will join the U.S. Department of Agriculture agribusiness trade mission to Seoul, South Korea, led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, March 25-28.

“Exports of U.S. agricultural and related products to South Korea totaled more than $8 billion in 2023, and it is a critical market as we continue to focus on diverse market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports,” Under Secretary Taylor said. “U.S. agricultural products are highly valued and trusted by Korean consumers. I’m confident that this trade mission will produce great results for America’s farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and exporters, as we work to strengthen trade with our existing partners and expand and diversify the products we offer.”

South Korea ranks as the United States’ fifth-largest single-export market. Also, as one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world during the past several decades, and with relativity small amounts of arable land, South Korea relies heavily on imported agricultural goods, especially meat and bulk commodities, to satisfy food and feed demand. 

While on the trade mission, participants will engage in targeted business-to-business meetings and pre-arranged site visits to build new trade linkages, strengthen existing partnerships, observe U.S. products in the marketplace, and discover the latest Korean consumer food trends. Participants will also receive in-depth market briefings from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and industry trade experts.

In addition to representatives from the following businesses and organizations, Under Secretary Taylor will be joined by Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, Indiana Director of Agriculture Don Lamb, North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring, and officials from the Indiana and Kansas state departments of agriculture.

1. Agropur, Appleton, Wis.
2. The Akana Group, Inc., Houston, Texas
3. American Commodity Company, Williams, Calif.
4. American Egg Board, Chicago, Ill.
5. American Peanut Council, Alexandria, Va.
6. Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif.
7. California Fresh Fruit Association, Fresno, Calif.
8. California Prune Board, Roseville, Calif.
9. Dragonberry Produce & Sweets, Canby, Ore.
10. East-West, Moreland Hills, Ohio
11. Empire Nut Company, Colusa, Calif.
12. Farm Breeze International, LLC, Tacoma, Wash.
13. Fresh Pacific International, Fresno, Calif.
14. Georgia Pecan Commission, Tifton, Ga.
15. Gladisa USA, Conroe, Texas
16. Grand Napa Vineyards, Napa, Calif.
17. Globex International, Inc., New York, N.Y.
18. Golden Valley Grape Juice & Wine, LLC, Madera, Calif.
19. Homegrown Organics, Porterville, Calif.
20. Integra Foods, Bladenboro, N.C.
21. Jack’s Alimentary Supply, Inc., Lowell, Mass.
22. Lead USA Global Group, LLC, Monterey Park, Calif.
23. Limoneira, Santa Paula, Calif.
24. Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, Silver City, N.M.
25. Mountain View Fruit Sales, Kingsburg, Calif.
26. National Pork Board, Clive, Iowa
27. Nature’s Sungrown Foods, LLC, San Rafael, Calif.
28. Norris Farms, LLC, Roseburg, Ore.
29. Oregon Berry Packing, Inc., Hillsboro, Ore.
30. Oregon Wheat Commission, Portland, Ore.
31. Pacific Cheese Co., Inc., Hayward, Calif.
32. Pet Food Institute, Washington, D.C.
33. Premium Peanut, Douglas, Ga.
34. Redwood International, Irvine, Calif.
35. Sakuma Bros. Farms, Burlington, Wash.
36. Schreiber Foods, Green Bay, Wis.
37. Scott Brothers Dairy, Chino, Calif.
38. Select Harvest USA, Turlock, Calif.
39. Space Enterprises, LLC, The Woodlands, Texas
40. Spread the Love, LLC, Los Angeles, Calif.
41. Talmera USA, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
42. Tedford/Tellico, Inc., Knoxville, Tenn.
43. S. Grains Council, Washington, D.C.
44. S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Folsom, Calif.
45. S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
46. S. Wheat Associates, Arlington, Va.
47. S. Wine Exports Company, Ltd., Ravenna, Ohio
48. USA Rice Federation, Alexandria, Va.
49. Valley Pride Ag Co., Fresno, Calif.

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.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

USDA Identifies 2024 Food for Progress Priority Countries

USDA, through its administration of the Food for Progress Program, helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities donated to recipient countries are sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic, or infrastructure development programs.

Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Food for Progress (FFPr) anticipates awarding seven new cooperative agreements, for projects of three- to five-years in duration. Priority countries include Benin, Cambodia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Tunisa.

A complete list of the targeted regions within the seven countries is also available online.

When available, the FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity and information on how to apply will be published on Grants.gov. Visit the Food for Progress Program page to learn more about the program.