 |
The following GAIN reports were released on June 27, 2024. _______Brazil: Paw-sitive Outlook for the Pet Food Industy in BrazilFor every five people in Brazil, there are four pets. Despite challenging economic scenario, the pet food industry – which encompasses pet food, pet accessories, and pet medication – continues to expand, making Brazil the third-largest fastest growing pet industry market in the world. Heavy taxation impacts the industry, which is hoping to address this issue through tax reform. Forthcoming changes in product registration legislation are expected to improve the scenario for U.S. players. In 2023, Brazil imported US$ 12.25 million in over 3 thousand tons of dog and cat food, with the United States being the fourth-largest supplier.
European Union: Biofuel Mandates in the EU by Member State - 2024This report provides an overview of the biofuel use mandates in EU-27 member states, including temporary changes to alleviate inflationary pressure stemming from Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. It supplements the EU Biofuels Annual Report for 2024.
Pakistan: Grain and Feed UpdateReflecting recently released government of Pakistan official data, the 2024/25 wheat production estimate is increased to a record 31.4 million tons. The 2024/25 rice production forecast is increased from 9.5 to a record 10 million tons due to good planting conditions, better prospective profitability compared to alternate crops, and adequate irrigation water supplies. Based on the sustained strong pace of shipments, the 2023/24 rice export forecast is increased from 5.9 to a record 6.3 million tons.
South Africa: Exporter Guide AnnualSouth Africa is one of the most advanced and varied economies in Africa, boasting a strong business sector and advanced distribution networks to major urban centers in the country and throughout the entire Southern African region. The commercial agricultural sector in South Africa is highly diversified and is self-sufficient in the production of most primary foods, with the exceptions of wheat, rice, and poultry. Nevertheless, South Africa offers opportunities for U.S. exports, especially for consumer-oriented products and ingredients to supply South Africa’s robust food-processing sector. South African consumers' willingness to try new products and rising demand for imported goods because of changes in health-conscious eating and drinking habits have created opportunities for U.S. exports in specialized food and beverage categories, but American exporters face challenges such as local suppliers, preferential trade agreements with U.S. competitors, and weak local currency exchange rate against the dollar.
Vietnam: FAIRS Country Report AnnualThis report provides an overview and update of Vietnam’s food and agricultural laws and regulations. Major updates were made to Section II – Labeling Requirements, Section IV – Food Additives, Section V – Pesticides and Other Contaminants and Section VIII – Geographical Indications and Trademarks. More information on Vietnam’s certification requirements is provided in the Vietnam FAIRS Export Certificate Report.
Vietnam: FAIRS Export Certificate Report AnnualThis report provides an overview of Vietnam’s certification requirements for imported food and agricultural products. The list of export certificates and required specific attestations are updated in Section I and Section II of this report. As of May 2024, there are no significant changes in Vietnam’s certification requirements.
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 June 24, 2024.
_______
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 June 26, 2024.
_______
China: Technical Requirements for Health Food Products with American Ginseng as Ingredient
On April 30, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released an announcement on the Technical Requirements for Health Food Product Filing with Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Ganoderma Lucidum as Ingredients. These requirements, which took effect on May 1, 2024, provide the technical requirements for excipients, dosage forms, and production processes that can be used for the three materials during product filing. They also clarify that product quality and safety index requirements such as contaminants indicators must comply with relevant national food safety standards. This report contains an unofficial translation of these requirements.
Malaysia: Oilseeds and Products Update
Post revises production estimates for MY 2023/24 down to 18.8 million tons accounting for hot and dry El Niño weather effects and limitations regarding labor. Top importing countries continue to drive demand and stocks drop to 1.83 million tons for MY 2023/24.
New Zealand: Exporter Guide Annual
New Zealand continues to be an important market for U.S. agricultural products. In 2023, New Zealand's imports of U.S. agricultural products returned to the previous year's value of US$ 520 million. Despite its relatively small population, the country is already a top market for several U.S. exports, including soybean meal, dairy ingredients like lactose and whey, fresh fruit such as grapes, and distiller's dried grains. New Zealand is also a key market for consumer-oriented products, including grocery products. Overall, New Zealand continues to present opportunities for U.S. exporters.
New Zealand: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report lists the major export certificates and other documentation required by the Government of New Zealand for U.S. exporters and food and agricultural products. New Zealand’s import requirements for food and agricultural products are complex and change frequently. Therefore, this report focuses on the certificate requirements for U.S. products with the strongest export potential. Section updated, Section I.
Philippines: Philippines Issued EO 62 Modifying Import Duty Rates
On June 20, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 62 (EO 62) modifying the import duty rates of various commodities. EO 62 provides a multi-year comprehensive tariff schedule and applies to commodities subject to the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates. Tariff rates on agricultural/food commodities remain the same except for rice, which declined to 15 percent from 35 percent.
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 June 27, 2024. _______Brazil: Paw-sitive Outlook for the Pet Food Industy in BrazilFor every five people in Brazil, there are four pets. Despite challenging economic scenario, the pet food industry – which encompasses pet food, pet accessories, and pet medication – continues to expand, making Brazil the third-largest fastest growing pet industry market in the world. Heavy taxation impacts the industry, which is hoping to address this issue through tax reform. Forthcoming changes in product registration legislation are expected to improve the scenario for U.S. players. In 2023, Brazil imported US$ 12.25 million in over 3 thousand tons of dog and cat food, with the United States being the fourth-largest supplier.
European Union: Biofuel Mandates in the EU by Member State - 2024This report provides an overview of the biofuel use mandates in EU-27 member states, including temporary changes to alleviate inflationary pressure stemming from Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. It supplements the EU Biofuels Annual Report for 2024.
Pakistan: Grain and Feed UpdateReflecting recently released government of Pakistan official data, the 2024/25 wheat production estimate is increased to a record 31.4 million tons. The 2024/25 rice production forecast is increased from 9.5 to a record 10 million tons due to good planting conditions, better prospective profitability compared to alternate crops, and adequate irrigation water supplies. Based on the sustained strong pace of shipments, the 2023/24 rice export forecast is increased from 5.9 to a record 6.3 million tons.
South Africa: Exporter Guide AnnualSouth Africa is one of the most advanced and varied economies in Africa, boasting a strong business sector and advanced distribution networks to major urban centers in the country and throughout the entire Southern African region. The commercial agricultural sector in South Africa is highly diversified and is self-sufficient in the production of most primary foods, with the exceptions of wheat, rice, and poultry. Nevertheless, South Africa offers opportunities for U.S. exports, especially for consumer-oriented products and ingredients to supply South Africa’s robust food-processing sector. South African consumers' willingness to try new products and rising demand for imported goods because of changes in health-conscious eating and drinking habits have created opportunities for U.S. exports in specialized food and beverage categories, but American exporters face challenges such as local suppliers, preferential trade agreements with U.S. competitors, and weak local currency exchange rate against the dollar.
Vietnam: FAIRS Country Report AnnualThis report provides an overview and update of Vietnam’s food and agricultural laws and regulations. Major updates were made to Section II – Labeling Requirements, Section IV – Food Additives, Section V – Pesticides and Other Contaminants and Section VIII – Geographical Indications and Trademarks. More information on Vietnam’s certification requirements is provided in the Vietnam FAIRS Export Certificate Report.
Vietnam: FAIRS Export Certificate Report AnnualThis report provides an overview of Vietnam’s certification requirements for imported food and agricultural products. The list of export certificates and required specific attestations are updated in Section I and Section II of this report. As of May 2024, there are no significant changes in Vietnam’s certification requirements.
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 June 25, 2024.
_______
Bulgaria: Oilseeds and Products Market Update
FAS/Sofia expects a lower Bulgarian rapeseed crop in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, falling by four percent from last year to about 200,000 metric tons (MT), due to a combination of reduced harvested area and unfavorable weather. Conversely, the sunflower crop is projected to grow to 2.1 million MT (MMT) from 1.8 MMT in MY 2023/24, due to optimal spring climate and planting conditions. In MY 2023/24, Bulgaria became a net importer of rapeseed with growing trade driven by expanding domestic crush capacities. Despite a small drought-hit sunflower crop in MY 2023/24 and limited imports, Bulgaria actually increased its sunflower crush by reducing its sunflower seed exports. This allowed Bulgaria to keep its position as the top EU exporter of sunflower oil (mainly to South Africa and Egypt), and second EU leading exporter of sunflower meal, mainly to China.
China: Planting Seeds Annual 2024
In Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23, China imported 67,000 metric tons (MT) of planting seeds valued at $478 million. The United States is the largest supplier of planting seeds to China, accounting for 22 percent of MY 2022/23 planting seeds imports by value. This report provides information on the supply, trade, and utilization for a range of planting seeds, including row crops, vegetables, and grass. In addition, this report summarizes updated policy and regulatory information.
Peru: Citrus Semi-Annual
Peru’s mandarin/tangerine production and exports are expected to recover and increase by two and three percent, respectively, in MY 2023/2024 (March 2024 to February 2025). Production is forecast to reach 560,000 metric tons (MT), while exports are forecast to recover to 210,000 MT. Higher productivity driven by recent cooler weather and potentially favorable dryer weather conditions are expected to positively impact production and exports. Domestic consumption of fresh mandarins/tangerines is forecast at 322,000 in MY 2023/2024, a three percent increase from the previous year. The United States will likely remain Peru’s top export partner, accounting for 50 percent of exports.
South Africa: Citrus Semi-annual
Record orange juice prices are expected to escalate orange juice production as growers increase deliveries for processing. Growers are diverting oranges from the export market and local sales towards processing on favorable prices. Good rainfall in the Spring of 2023 ensured sufficient rain for irrigation across all citrus producing regions. Production of all citrus types is expected to improve in both volumes and quality in MY 2023/24. However, the Northern production regions experienced some dry conditions during the growth period which led to smaller sized fruit, reducing the percentage of fruit that meets export specifications. Orange, grapefruit, and lemon exports for MY 2023/24 are revised downwards on smaller fruit size and diversion to local processing.
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 June 21, 2024.
_______
China: Phytosanitary Requirements for Imported Organic Growing Media Notified to WTO
On May 14, 2024, China notified the Phytosanitary Requirements for Imported Organic Growing Media to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1300. China’s SPS Enquiry Point at sps@customs.gov.cn will accept comments until July 13, 2024. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft regulation. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation.
Netherlands: Exporter Guide Annual
The exporter guide provides an economic and market overview, as well as demographic trends and practical tips to U.S. exporters on how to conduct business in the Netherlands. The report additionally describes three market sectors (food retail, food service, and food processing), the best market entry strategy, and the best high-value product prospects, and focuses exclusively on consumer-oriented products.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Rice export prices further dropped one percent due to the weakening of the Thai baht.
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 June 20, 2024.
_______
Honduras: Exporter Guide Annual
The total value of U.S. agricultural exports to Honduras in 2023 reached $1.3 billion, with a 39 percent (%) market share, and a 4 % decrease from the previous year. Bulk products decreased by $53 million while intermediate products increased by $23 million. The most significant value contributors were corn, soybean meal, and wheat.
Japan: Japan Proposes 29 Additional GI Protections for UK Food Items
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) proposed 29 new geographical indications (GI) for UK food products, including lamb, beef, ham, sausage, cheese, seafood, vegetables, and fruit. MAFF will accept public comments on the GI proposal by September 17, 2024.
Mexico: Exporter Guide Annual
Mexico was the second largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2023, with total U.S. exports valued at $28.6 billion. Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.2 percent in 2023, making its economy the 12th largest globally. According to the Government of Mexico (GOM), 37 percent of Mexico’s population is middle class, with an aspirational consumer base keen to tap into new food trends. Mexico’s hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sectors remains strong, particularly as Mexico continues to be a popular global tourism destination. Mexico’s robust food retail sector remains strong, valued at $82.2 billion in 2022, and offers expanding opportunities for U.S. products. Additionally, Mexico’s food processing industry is the second largest in Latin America, behind Brazil, making it a top market for U.S. food processing ingredients.
Philippines: Confectionery and Ice Cream Market Brief
Fueled by Filipinos' fondness for food indulgences, rising disposable incomes, and increasing urbanization, the $1.2 billion confectionery and ice cream market is expected to see robust growth of eight percent annually through 2028. Imports account for one-third of the market share. Of these imports, six percent originate from the United States with export sales in 2023 amounting to $23 million. This growing market presents a significant opportunity for U.S. suppliers to expand their footprint, with niche opportunities for established brands, private labels, and "free-from" options.
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 June 14, 2024.
_______
Algeria: Exporter Guide Annual
The exporter guide provides an economic and market overview, as well as demographic trends and practical tips for U.S. exporters on Algeria. The report provides an overview of the three market sectors - food retail, food service, and food processing in Algeria. Overall, of the total U.S. agricultural exports to Algeria, consumer-oriented products represent 15 percent of the total U.S. exports in 2023. Tree Nuts currently have the best prospects for U.S. consumer-oriented products exported to Algeria.
Saudi Arabia: Exporter Guide Annual
Saudi Arabia is a major market ($1.55 billion) for U.S. food and agricultural products, and there are plenty of opportunities to export a wide range of new-to-market U.S. food products. Unfortunately, there are also significant impediments to trade including burdensome export facility registration requirements along with numerous halal related restrictions on meat and poultry. Despite these issues, U.S. food products are well-positioned to meet Saudi Arabia’s changing dietary habits and food security needs over the next several years.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Rice export prices dropped one percent due to the weakening of the Thai baht.
Zimbabwe: Grain and Feed Annual
Zimbabwe’s production of its staple crop, corn, is expected to drop by almost 60 percent in marketing year 2024/25 due to extreme drought conditions associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon. More than half of Zimbabwe’s planted corn area was destroyed by the drought, and the consequent reduction in grain production forced the Zimbabwean President to declare a “State of Disaster.” Post estimates that Zimbabwe will have to import approximately 1.0 million metric tons of corn in marketing year 2024/25 to meet local demand. With other corn-producing countries in the region, including South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi, also impacted by the drought, Zimbabwe will have to source some of its corn imports on the global market. While Zimbabwe allows GE corn imports, shipments must be quarantined before being milled into corn meal, the national staple.
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 June 18, 2024.
_______
Algeria: Algeria Clarifies Halal Requirements
On June 9, FAS received communication from the Algerian government clarifying that the Grand Mosque of Paris (GMP) halal certification requirement for imports to Algeria apply only to product originating from France, or from another European market where the GMP operates a halal certifying office. The clarifications on halal certification requirements were issued after reports of widespread confusion among food importers and brokers as to whether GMP certification was required for non-EU origin product.
Costa Rica: Retail Foods Annual
The dynamic Costa Rican retail sector reflects the country's growing economy and increasing demand for new products. Consumers are influenced by tourism, culinary trends, and social media, with higher-end consumers paying premiums for healthy products and environmentally sustainable packaging. Outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, retail stores tend to be smaller, but a growing number of retailers in high-tourism areas are expanding their imported product portfolios in response to the fast-growing vacation rental segment of the tourism sector. In 2023, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products reached a record-high level of $462 million.
European Union: Citrus Semi-annual
In MY 2023/24, a reduction was registered in EU orange and mandarin production, while a larger lemon and grapefruit output was obtained. Increased imports from EU neighboring citrus producers in the Mediterranean Basin have partially offset the internal production decline, allowing fresh consumption to decline only marginally, and helping citrus processing to grow.
Ghana: Exporter Guide Annual
Ghana’s economic decline is starting to stabilize after the country sought International Monetary Fund (IMF) support through an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program worth approximately $3 billion. U.S. exports of agricultural and related products to Ghana decreased to $107.31 million in 2023 down 15 percent from 2022.
Ghana: Ghana Alcoholic Beverages Report
Alcoholic beverages imported into Ghana increased from $56 million in 2019 to $87 million in 2023. Similarly, imports of U.S. alcoholic beverages to Ghana are on an upward trend in the same period from $267,000 in 2019 to $1 million in 2023. However, consumer knowledge about the variety and quality of U.S. alcoholic beverages remains low compared to alcohol from other regions of the world. Post expects sales to increase as the economy stabilizes, incomes rise, and consumers shift away from traditional alcoholic beverages. Due to positive developments in Ghana’s hospitality and retail sectors, it is expected that alcohol sales will increase
Hong Kong: Reminder for Traders Shipping to Hong Kong - Ensure Health Certificates are Properly Formatted to Avoid Potential Rejections
A batch of U.S. frozen confectionary was almost rejected at Hong Kong’s port of entry due to an erroneously formatted health certificate. U.S. exporters shipping to Hong Kong are urged to work with importers in Hong Kong to ensure that a properly formatted health certification is included when requesting an import license application.
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 June 19, 2024.
_______
Argentina: Citrus Semi-annual
For marketing year (MY) 2023/24, Post updates fresh lemon production down to 1,700 metric tons (MT). This revision is attributed to the unexpected weather conditions with temperatures higher than usual and rains during harvest that affected original production estimates. Post also updates MY 2022/23 production to 1,850 MT, attributed to severe drought conditions than initially expected. For MY 2023/24, fresh orange production is estimated to drop to 653,000 MT. Similarly, fresh tangerine production is expected to decrease to 280,000 MT. Due to the increase in production, lemon exports are expected to rise to 220,000 MT. Sweet citrus exports are also expected to rise from the last official estimates, with fresh orange exports forecast at 35,000 MT and tangerine exports forecast at 24,000 MT.
Brazil: Citrus Semi-annual
The Brazilian orange crop for Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast at 378 million 90-pound boxes (MBx) - standard reference, equivalent to 15.42 million metric tons (MMT), a decrease of 7.3 percent compared to previous Post estimate (408 million boxes or 16.5 MMT), primarily due to poor weather conditions that culminated in a more severe drought, as well as impacts from greening. Meanwhile, Post revised the orange weight forecast to 165 grams/5.82 ounces in MY 2023/24, 4.2 percent heavier than Post previous estimate of 158 grams due to the lower production and consequent more room for the fruits to grow. Post revised the total forecast related to the Brazilian FCOJ 65 Brix equivalent production for MY 2023/24 at 1.06 MMT, a decrease of 8.62 percent vis-à-vis the Post estimate for MY 2022/23 (1.16 MMT), due to downward expected availability of fruit for processing provoked by drought, extremely high temperatures and increase of greening incidence.
Chile: Citrus Semi-Annual
In marketing year (MY) 2023/24, with an increasing trend in area planted and assuming regular yields, Post estimates lemon production to grow by 6.7 percent and reach 175,000 (MT) metric tons. Chilean lemon exports will increase 8.8 percent, totaling 74,000 metric tons. In MY 2023/24, Post estimates lower orange area planted due to continued tight margins. As such, Chilean orange production will decrease by 1.6 percent and total 177,000 metric tons. Orange exports will follow and decrease by 3.2 percent totaling 92,000 metric tons. In MY 2023/24, due to drought in the top Chilean mandarin-producing region, mandarin production will decrease by 9.7 percent and total 242,000 metric tons. Likewise, mandarin exports will drop to 211,000 MT which represents a 10.6 percent decrease from MY 2023/24.
Mexico: Federal Law of Animal Health Lists Banned Substances for Livestock Intended for Human Consumption
On May 21, 2024, the Government of Mexico published a modification to the Federal Law of Animal Health. The update strengthens the penalties for non-compliance with the law and lists substances banned for use in livestock intended for human consumption.
Mexico: Grain and Feed Update
Following a year of exceptional drought conditions in marketing year (MY) 2023/2024, the outlook for Mexican grain production in MY 2024/2025 is higher year-on-year for corn, wheat, rice, and sorghum based on producer expectations for a gradual recovery to average precipitation levels. Mexico’s MY 2024/2025 corn and wheat imports are forecast higher due to expected less than average production and growth in the animal feed sector. Rice and sorghum imports are estimated lower year-on-year due to forecast increased production and less demand. Production and trade forecasts and estimates were revised based on updated planting, harvest, and trade data.
Morocco: Citrus Semi-annual
Post production forecasts for tangerines/mandarins, oranges, lemons, and orange juice remain unchanged from the December 20 Annual Citrus Report. MY 2023/24 export figures are revised based on trade data received from Morocco’s office des changes.
Taiwan: Taiwan Food Security Situation Overview
Since Taiwan’s economy started taking off in the 1980s, larger disposable incomes have led Taiwan consumers to gradually demand diversification and broader options for their daily diets. This has led Taiwan to increasingly rely on imports to satisfy its growing demand for agricultural commodities for both human consumption and animal husbandry. To address the issue, on June 3rd, 2024, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in Washington, D.C. to facilitate cooperation between the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on expanding food security related cooperation and exchanges.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
