USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,newsletter

 

The following GAIN reports were released on April 8, 2024. _______   Australia: Oilseeds and Products Annual Australian oilseed production, dominated by canola, is expected to be strong for the fourth successive season during the marketing year (MY) 2024/25. If realized, canola production of 6.5 million metric tons (MMT) would be 14 percent above the previous year’s estimate and the third largest on record. The growth is mainly due to canola’s more favorable price expectations than wheat and barley. Canola exports are forecast to rise by 16 percent to 5.1 MMT, after a small growth in the forecast crush volume at 1.2 MMT. Canola oil exports are forecast to grow by 21 percent to 230,000 metric tons (MT) in MY 2024/25 and would be the highest on record. Olive oil production is forecast to rise to 25,000 MT, mainly because of a natural biennial effect on yield. Cottonseed production is forecast to achieve a fourth successive high level of production and rise by 10 percent to 1.38 MMT in MY 2024/25. Cottonseed exports are forecast to increase by nine percent to 600,000 MT. European Union: Oilseeds and Products Annual MY 2024/25 European Union oilseed production is forecast to decline by about one percent over the previous year with good yields. This forecast is based on the assumption of average growing conditions, lower, more average yields, but increased area which cannot make up for the lower yields. Feed use of oilseed meals is forecast down despite higher demand from the animal sector, which is projected to be met by more competitive feed grains. Food use of vegetable oils is forecast to grow whereas biofuels use is declining. The new EU Deforestation Regulation will likely impact soybean and products and palm oil markets, but it is unclear how it will impact the overall dynamics of the oilseeds market. The Russian invasion of Ukraine still brings further uncertainties. Honduras: Food Processing Ingredients Annual The total value of US agricultural exports in 2023 was USD 1.3 billion, down 4 percent from the previous year. Bulk products fell USD 53 million, while intermediate products rose USD 23 million. The main staple foods are white corn (maize), beans, and rice, with corn being consumed more than wheat or any other grain. Nonetheless, the balancing feed business consumes the vast majority of imported yellow corn and soy. This industry produces around 1.3 to 1.4 million tons of feed per year for all species. Honduras is a net wheat importer, while rice output only covers about 10% of domestic demand. National production of pork meat is a modest 35 million pounds per year, with an annual domestic demand of 135 million pounds. Indonesia: US Embassy Jakarta Holds Second Annual Ramadan Delights Event On April 2, 2024, FAS Jakarta held its second annual Ramadan iftar event at the U.S. Embassy’s @america cultural center. This year’s event, “Ramadan Delights with U.S. Products: featuring the Talents of Chef Vindex and a Conversation with U.S. Halal Certifying Bodies,” promoted high-quality U.S. food ingredients such as beef, cheese, dates, chickpeas, raisins, and seafood. These ingredients were integrated into local dishes traditionally served during Ramadan. This event also highlighted the diversity of the Muslim community in the United States and bolstered the confidence and trust of Indonesian consumers in the recently accredited U.S. halal certifying bodies issuing halal certificates for U.S. products exported to Indonesia. Halal certification will be mandatory in Indonesia for most food and beverages starting October 17, 2024. Jordan: Grain and Feed Annual MY2024/25 wheat imports are estimated to reach 1.2 million metric tons as Jordan's government begins filling its strategic grain reserves to mitigate inflationary shocks caused by geopolitical crises. MY2024/25 wheat exports are lowered to 50,000 tons, down 40,000 tons from MY2023/24, as in-kind food assistance programs supplying Syria wind down. Barley production remains consistent with higher consumption driven by livestock export markets and government subsidy programs. MY2024/25 corn imports are forecast at 730,000 tons, up slightly, based on recovery from disease outbreaks and expanded corn processing capacity. Rice consumption remains steady, driven by cultural traditions and import preferences. Jordan's grain and feed market policy emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure food security and affordability. Philippines: Oilseeds and Products Annual FAS Manila forecasts MY 2024/25 soybean meal imports to reach 3.2 million metric tons (MMT), an increase of 4 percent attributed to the growing feed demand for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. The projected 3 percent growth in soybean meal equivalent (SME) consumption coincides with the forecasted 3 percent increase in livestock production during the same period. Copra crushing will decline by 15 percent, which will also result in a 15 percent reduction in coconut oil supply, lowering exports to 900,000 MT. The decrease in coconut oil production will continue to be offset by palm oil imports, which is forecast to increase by 5 percent to 940,000 MT in MY 2024/25. Soybean meal will also cover the 16 percent decline in copra meal production with the anticipated low coconut supply due to El Niño. Pakistan: Sugar Annual Due to a slight increase in cane area and production, sugar production in 2024/25 is forecast to reach 6.8 million tons, 3 percent higher than 2023/24. In line with population growth and demand from the food processing sector, continued moderate growth in sugar consumption is forecast. With expectations for the government to continue emphasizing domestic price and supply controls, exports are forecast to remain insignificant in 2024/25. Turkiye: Manufacturer Certificate Required for Shipping Plant Protection Products to Turkey  Turkey requires the foreign competent authority to issue and sign a manufacturer certificate for imports of plant protection products (PPPs). U.S. Chambers of Commerce and State Departments of Agriculture are authorized to sign the certificates for PPPs from the United States. The required certificate template is included in this report; no other format is allowed.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

USDA Trade Mission to Pinpoint New Opportunities for U.S. Agribusinesses in India

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2024 – Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor will lead a U.S. Department of Agriculture agribusiness trade mission to New Delhi, India, April 22-25. The diverse delegation of 47 businesses and organizations and officials from 11 State Departments of Agriculture speaks volumes about the export sales opportunity the world’s most populous country represents for U.S. food and agricultural producers. 

“India represents a growth economy for U.S. agribusinesses seeking to capture an increasing share of the household food purchases in the fifth-largest economy in the world,” Under Secretary Taylor said. “India’s rising middle-class consumers’ familiarity with American food products and increased purchasing power is a real opportunity for U.S. producers. This along with the Indian consumers’ trusted view of American food and agricultural products as high-quality has contributed to an 11 percent growth in U.S. agricultural and ag-related exports to India over the past 2 years.” 

USDA is leveraging its global reach to open new markets on behalf of American food and agricultural producers. Just last year, India reduced tariff requirements for U.S. poultry products, vegetables, fruits, pulses, and tree nuts – strengthening the agribusiness trade relationship between the United States and India. The trade mission will follow-up on those wins and secure an expanding number of new purchase agreements for American farmers, ranchers, and producers. USDA continues to be forward-leaning in its efforts to broaden the benefits of agribusiness trade for more American producers, exporters, and their home-town communities.

While on the trade mission, participants will engage in targeted business-to-business meetings and site visits to build new trade linkages, strengthen existing partnerships, observe U.S. products in the marketplace, and discover the latest Indian 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 California Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Idaho Director of Agriculture Chanel Tewalt, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff M. Witte, North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring, and officials from the Indiana, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin state departments of agriculture.

1. Almond Board of California, Modesto, Calif.
2. American Pecan Council, Fort Worth, Texas
3. American Pistachio Growers, Fresno, Calif.
4. American Seed Trade Association, Alexandria, Va.
5. American Specialty Foods Co., New York, N.Y. 
6. Bard Valley Date Growers, Yuma, Ariz.
7. Bespoke Group, LLC., Irving, Texas
8. Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif.
9. California Walnut Co., Los Molinos, Calif.
10. Calway Foods, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.
11. Commercial Lynks, Inc., Alexandia, Va.
12. Culver Duck Farms, Inc., Middlebury, Ind.
13. Farmers International, Inc., Chico, Calif.
14. FEAST Global, Ocean Springs, Miss.
15. Food Export Association of the Midwest USA, Chicago, Ill.
16. Food Export Association of the Northeast, Philadelphia, Penn.
17. Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Tifton, Ga.
18. Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Marathon, Wisc.
19. Hall Enterprise, LLC., Paso Robles, Calif.
20. Hazelnut Marketing Board, Wilsonville, Ore.
21. Hudson Pecan Company, Ocilla, Ga.
22. Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indianapolis, Ind.
23. Indiana State Poultry Association, West Lafayette, Ind.
24. Iowa Turkey Federation, Ames, Iowa
25. JM Grain, Garrison, N.D.
26. Leather and Hide Council of America, Washington, D.C.
27. Marquis Energy Global, Pte. LTD, Hennepin, Ill.
28. Red Lake, Inc., East Redby, Minn.
29. Redwood International, Irvine, Calif.
30. Royal Ridge Fruits, Royal City, Wash.
31. Southern Forest Products Association, Metairie, La.
32. Southern United States Trade Association, New Orleans, La.
33. Southern Roots Nut Company, Las Cruces, N.M.
34. Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, Salado, Texas
35. The Wonderful Company, Los Angeles, Calif.
36. Trident Seafoods Corporation, Seattle, Wash.
37. TriNut Farms, Cochise, Ariz.
38. United Dairy Ingredients Group, LLC., Monterey Park, Calif.
39. United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Lubbock, Texas
40. U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arlington, Va.
41. U.S. Grains Council, Washington, D.C.
42. U.S. International Foods, LLC., St. Louis, Mo.
43. U.S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
44. VSSA Commodities, LLC., Las Cruces, N.M.
45. Western United States Agricultural Trade Association, Vancouver, Wash.
46. Wine Institute, Sacramento, Calif.
47. Zorro Pecans, Leesburg, Ga. 

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.

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The following GAIN reports were released on April 5, 2024.

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Australia: New Allergen Labeling Requirement for Australia and New Zealand

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) have updated the laws on allergen labeling for foods sold throughout Australia and New Zealand. The new allergen labeling laws are called PEAL – Plain English Allergen Labelling.

Canada: Oilseeds and Products Annual

FAS/Ottawa forecasts oilseed crush capacity (the estimated maximum rate of crushing at which a mill can operate continuously while maintaining a proper level of efficiency) reached 12.99 million metric tons (MMT) in March 2024 and will reach 15.14 MMT by the end of the 2025 calendar year, up from 11.23 MMT in 2023. Project delays in 2023, 2024, and into 2025 have slowed the growth of crush capacity. In marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Canada’s net total production of oilseeds (canola, soybean, and sunflower seeds) is forecast to decrease by two percent to 24.86 MMT, based on government planting-intentions survey results. Total meal production (soymeal and canola meal) is forecast to increase by 3.8 percent on increased canola crush volumes, which comprises 85 percent of all domestically produced crush. Canada-U.S. bilateral trade flows of soy and canola meal will be determined, as always, by feed cost differentials.

China: National Food Safety Standard of Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Foods Notified to WTO

On March 28, 2024, China notified the National Food Safety Standard of Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Foods to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1299. China’s SPS Enquiry Point at sps@customs.gov.cn will accept comments until May 27, 2024. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the standard.

Mexico: Avocado Annual

Mexico’s 2024 avocado production is forecast at 2.77 million metric tons (MMT), a five percent increase over 2023 on strong export demand. Production in 2023 reached 2.65 MMT, up four percent compared to the previous year. Exports totaled 1.4 MMT in 2023, a 17 percent increase year on year. The United States is the number one market for Mexico’s avocado exports, with an 81 percent share, followed by Canada, Japan, and Spain.

Thailand: Oilseeds and Products Annual

MY 2023/24 and MY 2024/25 soybean crush will be well below the five-year pre-pandemic average annual growth due to a slow economic recovery. Meanwhile, the palm oil supply, including for exports, is expected to be tight in MY 2023/24 and MY 2024/25 due to a strong demand for biodiesel production following Thailand's adoption of a higher biodiesel blend rate.

Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly

Rice export prices dropped another 1-2 percent this week.

Turkiye: Cotton and Products Annual

Türkiye’s cotton production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is forecast to increase to 820,000 metric tons (MT; 3.8 million bales), based on the assumption that cotton prices which increased at the beginning of 2024 will remain stagnant and orders to Turkish ready-to-wear apparel producers will at least continue at mediocre levels. Cotton farmers were unable to make adequate profits in MY 2022/23 and the first half of MY 2023/24 to cover rising input costs. In MY 2024/25, Turkish cotton consumption is expected to increase to 1.6 million MT (7.5 million bales) due to lower demand from end consumers of ready-to-wear-garments in western markets and a decrease in garment orders due to high costs of production in the country. Cotton imports in MY2024/25 are forecast to be 820,000 MT (3.8 million bales) for the same period, with the United States maintaining its market share as the leading supplier and strong competition from Brazil.

Vietnam: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

Vietnam’s food processing industry comprises some 11,000 companies, valued at $73.8 billion in 2023. Growth in 2023 was 6.1%, down from a blistering 8.8% in 2021 and 2022. By contrast, food retail (valued at $68.5 billion) saw growth of 11.4% and food service and accommodation sales (valued at $27.3 billion) saw growth of 14.7% due to a rebound in tourism. Overall imports of consumer-oriented products reached $13.45 billion in 2023, increasing by 5% over 2022. Imports of U.S. consumer-oriented products declined by 7% during that same time, mainly due to a tariff disadvantage relative to competitor countries. Strong prospects for food processing ingredients include tree nuts, meat, bakery ingredients, dairy products, fresh and dried fruit, wheat, soybeans, and potatoes.

 

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 April 4, 2024.

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Bangladesh: Cotton and Products Annual

Post forecasts an increase in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 cotton imports on higher global demand for ready-made garments. Despite Bangladesh’s economic challenges, Post maintains MY 2023/24 cotton imports at 7.5 million bales, on lower yarn and fabric imports. In the first seven months of MY 2023/24, West African cotton had the largest market share at 35 percent, followed by India at 22 percent, Brazil at 14 percent, and the United States at 11 percent.

Brazil: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

The Brazilian Food Processors' Association reported 2023 Brazilian food processing sector revenues at US$231 billion, a growth of 7.2 percent compared to the previous year. Brazil heavily relies on foreign suppliers to fulfill its food ingredient demands, which offers U.S. companies opportunities to provide high-value ingredients. Brazilian food manufacturers and ingredient importers seek innovative products from new suppliers. To learn more, contact us at atosaopaulo@usda.gov.

Egypt: Oilseeds and Products Annual

FAS/Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s soybean imports in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 (October – September) to increase by 14.8 percent from the previous marketing year, due to an influx of foreign currency into Egyptian banks. While the United States accounts for the majority of soybean exports to Egypt, U.S. soybeans are likely to face heavy competition from other origins due to pricing. Overall feed use of oilseed meal is also forecast to be on an upward trend driven by demand from end users. Higher levels of sunflower seed oil consumption and trade in the forecasted period will primarily be driven by competitive pricing in the global market, which has prompted both the public and private sector to increase sunflower seed oil imports. Total soybeans stock is forecast to decrease on account of an increase in crushing activity.

Paraguay: Oilseeds and Products Annual

Post projects marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 soybean production at 10.3 million metric tons (MMT) with increased planted area of to 3.59 million hectares on increased second crop planting. MY 2024/2025 exports are forecast at 6.5 MMT, down from the previous year as Argentine production rebounds following record drought. Crush is projected to rebound to 3.5 MMT as fewer soybeans are exported to be crushed in Argentina. MY 2023/2024 production is revised down slightly to 10.1 on lower yields due to less rain than expected. Crush is estimated down to 2.98 MMT while exports are expected to increase to 6.94 MMT.

Taiwan: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

In 2023, Taiwan imported US$3.7 billion agricultural products from the US, which accounted for 24.47 percent of the island’s total import value. Its food processing industry produced $30 billion of processed food and beverages, among which the strongest subsectors are animal feed, meat processing, baked goods, and non-alcoholic beverages. The aging market is attracted to healthy products with added nutritional values, as well as convenient, single portion products to better suit the changing family structure.

Taiwan: Oilseeds and Products Annual

Taiwan’s soybean imports are forecast at 2.65 MMT for MY2023/2024 and MY2024/2025, a slight recovery from the previous MY. Weakness in feed demand due to animal diseases was one of the causes for lower soybean imports and reduced crush for MY 2022/2023. Feed demand is expected to recover in MY 2023/2024 based on recovery in both the hog and poultry sector. In the first half MY2023/2024, logistics issues in both the Panama Canal and the Red Sea region have made U.S. bulk soybean shipments from the Gulf Coast challenging. Most U.S. soybeans shipping out of U.S. Pacific Northwest are in the form of containerized shipments. Since February 2022, Taiwan has waived business taxes on imported soybeans to stabilize commodity prices and reduce inflationary pressures. This measure is currently set to expire on June 30, 2024.

Turkiye: Grain and Feed Annual

Production volumes of wheat and barley in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 are forecast to remain unchanged compared to last year, while corn production is expected to drop year-to-year by 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) as farmers switch to growing more profitable crops, such as cotton and other row crops. With corn production projected to shrink, corn export volumes will likewise fall significantly lower. Imports of wheat are projected to decrease by 1.0 MMT from last year because of larger-than-normal carryover stocks. Meantime, despite disruptions in the Red Sea, flour exports are on pace to reach a record in MY 2023/24.

 

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

The World Loves Apple Farmers to the Core

For many American farms, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. The Robison and Stennes family orchards combined equal more than 200 years of growing apples in Washington.

The Robison family has been growing apples in Chelan, Washington since the 1950s. Today, Jake – the fourth generation of the Robison family – lives on the early-19th century plot that was used to grow some of the earliest apples to be harvested in Washington. The Stennes family has been growing apples in Pateros, Washington, for more than 130 years, and it continues to modernize its planting, crop management, and harvesting practices. 

Both family farms view the recent trade win of India reopening its market to U.S. apples as beneficial for apple farmers across Washington. The Washington Apple Commission (WAC) and FAS India worked together to regain market access for American apple growers. After retaliatory tariffs were lifted last summer, $10.8 million of U.S. apples were exported to India. This had an almost immediate impact for American apple growers; the market in India opened at the beginning of apple-picking season up in the Pacific Northwest.

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