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The following GAIN reports were released on May 2, 2024. _______Ghana: Food Processing Ingredients AnnualGhana’s food processing industry is developing and remains a major importer of ingredients for food processing. These imports will continue to grow as the sector is unable to meet increased demand. Ghana’s imports of food processing ingredients totaled $132.9 million in 2023, an increase of about 48 percent from $89.2 million in 2022. There are significant opportunities for imported food ingredients in Ghana. Senegal: Pulse Market OverviewSenegalese cowpea production is estimated at 152,000 MT in the 2022/23 December- November marketing year (MY), a 36 percent decline from the previous year. Pulse imports are estimated at 42,800 MT for MY 2023, growing from 37,000 MT in MY 2021 and and 27,000 in 2022. Exporters seeking to enter the Senegalese market should be aware that significant volumes of pulses transit Morocco, Tunisia, and the UAE.
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 May 1, 2024.
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Argentina: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Post forecasts Argentina soybean production at 51 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 as production returns to assuming good weather in the year ahead and increased soy planting at the expense of wheat and corn, particularly in late or second crop soy. Crush and exports are also expected to recover to 40 MMT and 7.3 MMT respectively, both up from the previous year. Soymeal exports are forecast at 27 MMT in both MY2024/25 and MY2023/24 as Argentina retakes it’s place as the largest soymeal exporter in the world. Soy oil exports are forecast to grow as well to 5.3 MMT. Sunflowerseed production is forecast down up slightly in MY2024/25 to 3.7 MMT as producers expect another dry La Niña weather pattern ahead, but still down significantly from the record year of MY2022/23 when sunflower was the only bright spot in a bleak crop landscape. Post forecasts a rebound in peanuts and products to a more normal year. Post maintains its previous estimate for soybean production in MY2023/24.
Uzbekistan: Cotton and Products Annual
The global cotton industry is still readjusting to lower post-pandemic demand, and Uzbekistan wasn’t spared the effects of the market overhang. Uzbekistan's strong vertical integration and government support for the industry have helped drive both its resiliency and recovery. Cotton production is forecast higher due to favorable weather at the start of the season as well as yield-enhancing investments in seeds, pest control, and water management. Uzbekistan lint production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is anticipated to reach 699,000 metric tons. Consumption is expected to continue to slowly outpace production as processing capacity expands due to government investment. In MY 2024/25, lint cotton consumption is forecast higher at 725,000 MT and imports will fill the gap.
The following GAIN reports were released on April 30, 2024.
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China: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report presents regulations and standards applicable to food and agricultural imports, including changes to existing national food safety laws and regulations. In 2023, China released and implemented several new or updated regulations and standards that impact trade. A number of draft regulations have been released in 2023 and have been notified to WTO SPS and TBT committees for comments. U.S. exporters should verify the full set of current import requirements with their China-based representatives or customers prior to shipment.
China: Market Overview - Alfalfa Hay and Other Forages
China's demand for imported forages, mainly alfalfa hay, has been affected by weak market demand for dairy products and the falling price of fresh milk. Although dairy consumption remained stable, oversupply of milk became a challenge due to the excessive investment in dairy farming over the last few years. Imported alfalfa faces headwinds because of the weak Chinese yuan and China's farmers' desire to lower costs through forage substitution with other feed ingredients in daily rations. Demand for alfalfa hay in 2024 is expected to remain at 2023 levels.
Germany: FAIRS Country Report Annual
Germany is a member of the European Union (EU) and generally follows EU directives and regulations, including those relating to the importation of food products. This report provides an overview of food laws in force in Germany that cover areas, which are not yet harmonized in the EU. Food laws currently in force in the EU are summarized in the EU FAIRS country report.
Malaysia: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report provides information on the regulations and procedures for the importation of food and agricultural products from Unites States to Malaysia. The report is supplemented by the Malaysia Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Export Certificate Report 2024.
Nigeria: Review of Agricultural Import and Export Restrictions
Nigeria maintains several lists of agricultural and related products prohibited from trade, including at least two export lists and one import list. The scope of many products on these lists is not always well described, leading to misinterpretation and confusion. The lists are also maintained by different government agencies, each with their own mandates. Trade prohibitions on specific products may be enforced, waived, superseded, or disregarded according to other government actions, as well as, on a case-by-case basis. According to contacts, the Customs Service’s import and export prohibition lists are enforced on a more consistent basis than the Export (Prohibition) Act. U.S. exporters should take note of these trade prohibitions, gather the latest information from local trade contacts, and understand the opaque nature of Nigeria’s trade regulations.
Serbia: Grain and Feed Annual
Serbia’s Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25 wheat area is forecast at 625,000 hectares (HA), 14 percent lower than the previous year. If the predicted yield of 5 MT/HA is achieved, wheat production is expected to reach 3.1 Million Metric Tons (MMT). Due to very high wheat ending stocks of 1 MMT and good crop quality exports of up to 1.5 MMT. MY2024/25 corn production is estimated to reach a high of 6.6 MMT, 10 percent higher than the previous year. Due to good weather Serbia’s corn production in MY2023/24 could climb to 6.8 MMT, a significant increase of 2.2 MMT or 48 percent compared to MY2022/23. MY2022/2023 corn production was significantly damaged by the record summer drought. By the end of MY2023/24, Serbia will likely export 2.6 MMT of corn worth over $620 million and regain its position as one of the leading European corn exporters.
Taiwan: Life is a Box of Chocolate - Check Out Which Ones are in Taiwan
In Taiwan, chocolate is one of the major categories in the sweets department. In 2023, the market imported $141 million worth of chocolate and related products, among which $29 million are from the US, making it Taiwan’s biggest chocolate supplier. The market is attracted to chocolate products that have a high cocoa content, as well as ones with nuts or fruits. This report includes retail market research showing the most popular product origins, price points, and product attributes, as well as labeling regulations and suggestions for U.S. exporters.
The following GAIN reports were released on April 29, 2024.
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Australia: Grain and Feed Annual
A tale of two is emerging for wheat and barley growers in Australia. Those in the eastern states have entered the MY 2024/25 planting season with good soil moisture and a particularly good fall break with widespread rains in the first week of April. Growers in Western Australia and South Australia have low soil moisture and are yet to receive any meaningful fall rains, with little expectation of rain in the coming weeks. FAS/Canberra forecasts a decline in wheat planted area and yield to dip below average with production at three percent below average. For barley, FAS/Canberra forecasts an increase in planted area but a fall in yield and a small decline in production from the prior year. Sorghum production is forecast to increase slightly in MY 2024/25, and exports are forecast to bounce back after the widespread rains at harvest adversely impacted the MY 2023/24 crop. MY 2024/25 is forecast for another strong year of rice production associated with an expectation of ample water availability.
Haiti: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report is an overview of general legal and technical requirements imposed by the Government of Haiti for food and agricultural imports. The following sections of this report summarize the major requirements for: Food Laws; Labeling; Packaging and Containers; Food Additive Regulations; Pesticides and Other Contaminants; Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registration measures; Other Specific Standards; Trademarks, Brand Names, and Intellectual Property Rights; Import Procedures; and Trade Facility.
Haiti: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report describes the major export certificates required by the Government of Haiti for imports of food and agricultural products. The following sections of this report indicate the certificates required for each category of products, including their purpose, the requesting ministry, and their outlines.
Taiwan: US Hoppy Duo IPA Outreach Brewing Partnership Success
The U.S. Hoppy Duo IPA trade outreach event, featuring lead brewmasters from Sierra Nevada and Fremont breweries, achieved remarkable success in strengthening relations between the U.S. and Taiwan’s craft beer industries. At this event, approximately sixty professionals from Taiwan’s craft beer sector gained insights into IPA styles, brewing techniques, and the use of U.S. ingredients. Consequently, thirteen local breweries pledged to feature IPAs made with U.S. hops at an upcoming IPA festival organized by the ATO. This initiative not only highlighted U.S. innovation in the IPA sector but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and potential malt sales, affirming the effectiveness of the ATO’s efforts in connecting the craft beer communities of the U.S. and Taiwan.
REMINDER: USDA Accepting Applications for August Trade Mission to Colombia
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia, Aug. 13-15, 2024. USDA is now accepting applications from current and potential U.S. exporters who have interest in joining the delegation.
“Colombia represents a top-tier food and agricultural export destination for American farmers, ranchers and processors,” said Taylor. “As the second-most-populous country in South America, Colombia enjoys highly favorable demographics, coupled with 20 years of continuous economic growth, which saw a 36-percent increase in the median household income. USDA is committed to supporting and facilitating agricultural trade between suppliers and buyers throughout the Western Hemisphere, including Colombia.”
Colombia is the largest South American market for U.S. agricultural products and the seventh-largest market for U.S. food and beverage exports globally. Since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was implemented in 2012, U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia have grown 237 percent, reaching a record $3.7 billion in 2023.
Changes in Colombians’ lifestyles – including increasingly common dual-income households, interest in healthier foods, and demand for packaged and prepared food products – bode well for U.S. exports. Furthermore, formal retail establishments, including supermarkets and mid-sized grocery stores, now account for 60 percent of food distribution nationwide.
While in Bogotá, U.S. agribusiness representatives will meet with potential importers from across Colombia, and FAS staff and local/regional industry trade experts will provide detailed market briefings. The mission will also include engagements with USDA leadership, site visits in Bogotá and the surrounding area, and multiple networking opportunities.
Colombia’s modern retail sector presents newfound opportunities for a diverse range of U.S. exports, including:
- healthy foods (low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat)
- fresh fruit
- dog and cat food
- distilled spirits and wine
- meat and meat products (beef, pork, and poultry)
- processed vegetables
- beans
- seafood
- dairy products
- food preparations
- snack foods
- cereals
- tree nuts
- condiments and sauces
- food and baking ingredients
- feed ingredients
For consideration to participate in the trade mission, please complete the online application here by May 10. More information about USDA trade missions can be found on the FAS website.
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 26, 2024.
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Burma: Burma Restrictions on Export Earnings
Over the last two years Burma’s foreign exchange restrictions, and the repeated changes to them, have adversely affected the country’s imports and exports.
Canada: Canada Implements a Federal Plastics Registry
On April 22, 2024, Canada announced the implementation of a Federal Plastic Registry to monitor the types and volumes of plastic products, including plastic packaging used in agriculture and food manufacturing, through their life cycle on the Canadian market.
European Union: European Union Finalizes New Rules for Packaging and Packaging Waste Reduction
In March 2024, the Council of the European Union and European Parliament concluded negotiations on the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Regulation. The current text is going through a legal review but is now de-facto final and is expected to be formally adopted in the coming months. The Regulation introduces waste reduction targets and requires that all packaging placed on the EU market is recyclable and carries recycling labeling. The Regulation also introduces new requirements for packaging minimization, minimum recycled content in plastic packaging, re-use targets for packaging, and bans certain packaging formats.
Mexico: Mexico Enacts the General Law on Appropriate and Sustainable Food
On April 17, 2024, the Government of Mexico published a law in the Official Gazette to establish mandatory warning labeling for products containing genetically engineered ingredients and to enshrine socioeconomic considerations into national food policy. The law also establishes state sponsored granaries and the use of the precautionary principle. The formulation of the law was led by a broad coalition of social movements, senators, and activists within the Government of Mexico.
Philippines: Philippine Department of Agriculture Directed to Ease Agri-Food Importation Procedures
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to further streamline administrative procedures and policies on the importation of agricultural products and remove non-tariff barriers to help ensure food security. Under Administrative Order (AO) No. 20, Marcos emphasized that administrative constraints and non-tariff barriers continue to persist, which have caused continued increase of domestic prices of agricultural commodities.
Senegal: Grain and Feed Annual
Governments’ support for inputs and rice production have lifted area harvested and yields, boosting production across much of the region. Marketing year (MY) 2024/25 area harvested for rice in Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali is projected up 1.7 percent year-over-year. Regional MY 2024/25 milled production is forecast 3.2 percent higher. Despite greater production, regional imports are projected to increase 1.8 percent in MY 2024/25. Rice consumption is forecast 3 percent higher on greater supplies and relative affordability as price inflation continues to impact alternative cereals. The MY 2024/25 regional area harvested, production, trade, and consumption forecasts are on trend with estimates for MY 2023/24, continuing in the same trajectory year-on-year.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Rice export prices increased one percent as exporters are securing rice supplies to fulfill contracted shipment despite the weakening of the Thai baht.
United Kingdom: UK Draft Regulations for Comment on Fairer Food Labeling
On March 12, the United Kingdom (UK) government announced a public consultation on ‘Fairer Food Labeling.’ The consultation seeks feedback for two proposals on food labeling regulations: (1) on labeling pertaining to country of origin, and (2), on animal welfare labeling relating to methods of production. If implemented, these food labeling regulations will apply to imported and domestically produced products. The deadline for submission of comments is May 7, 2024.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
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