 |
The following GAIN reports were released on October 9, 2024. _______Australia: Fresh Deciduous Fruit AnnualAustralia’s table grape production is forecast to increase to 230,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, the second largest on record, from an estimated 195,000 MT in MY 2023/24. This high level is primarily due to excellent seasonal conditions so far and the prospect of continued favorable seasonal conditions through to the end of harvest. These conditions will likely produce high-quality table grapes in the forecast year and increase the volume supply of suitable for the export market. The boost in production and quality is forecast to result in the third-highest export result on record of 135,000 MT for MY 2024/25. Additionally, the forecast production growth is expected to support a 10 percent boost in domestic consumption for MY 2024/25.
Guatemala: FAIRS Export Certificate Report AnnualThis report contains the list of all the mandatory export certificates required by the Government of Guatemala for agricultural imports. This report has no major changes from its 2023 version. Links to U.S. government offices will be in English, while links to Guatemala government institutions will be in Spanish.
Ukraine: Livestock and Products AnnualPost expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals. Exports of both live animals and beef will decline due to lower animal inventory. Domestic beef consumption remains depressed due to low disposable incomes and competition with poultry and pork. Post predicts the 2024 pork price decline will precipitate a revenue drop for producers and will result in a pig number drop by the end of 2024. Similar performance is expected in 2025. Ukraine’s low domestic pork price will keep imports at low levels in 2024, with some rebound in 2025. Pork exports will remain hampered by African Swine Fever (ASF). The number of ASF cases is notably rising, endangering commercial production and trade.
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 October 8, 2024.
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South Africa: Retail Foods Annual
The five biggest corporations, Shoprite Holdings Ltd., Pick n Pay Retailers Pty Ltd., Spar Group Ltd., Walmart-owned Massmart, and Woolworths Holdings Ltd., account for a substantial portion of the retail food market in South Africa. When combined, they make up over 60% of all retail food sales. Retail food sales in South Africa reached a total of $39 billion in 2023. In 2023, consumer-oriented agricultural goods were imported by South Africa to the tune of $3.2 billion. In South Africa, retail trade sales account for over 20% of the country's GDP. Prolonged demand for healthier options in the fresh food and wellness sectors, growing interest in subscription services, and the necessity of omnichannel shopping—a hybrid approach that combines product information and reviews—are some of the major developments in the South African retail food industry.
Vietnam: Retail Foods Annual
Vietnam’s food retail market consisted of over 665,000 outlets generating sale revenue of $55 billion in 2023, up four percent compared to 2022. Although the global economic downturn has slowed growth, key retailers remain optimistic about the potential of Vietnam's retail market. Vietnam's young population, growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and high demand for quality and safety are key growth drivers for U.S. food and beverage products in the retail market.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
USDA Awards First $25 Million for Assisting Specialty Crop Exports
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor announced today that USDA has awarded more than $25 million to support eight projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.
USDA launched ASCE in January 2024 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create more, new and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses both at home and abroad. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector focuses on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.
“Specialty crop exporters face myriad import requirements in every foreign market they enter, yet they often don’t have the economies of scale to develop the required certifications or negotiate favorable terms. ASCE will help smaller exporters by directly addressing barriers and supporting industry’s efforts to obtain needed certifications,” Taylor said. “We’re excited to bring on new partners who will provide solutions and allow U.S. specialty crop producers to expand international markets for their world-class products.”
U.S. exports of specialty crops totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for producers nationwide and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond.
The selected partners and projects for the first round of ASCE funding are as follows:
- Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, which was founded by the International Fresh Produce Association, will each receive $5 million to establish ASCE Sustainable Packaging Innovation Labs. The research and projects implemented by these labs will help address one of the top concerns USDA hears from the U.S. specialty crop industry: that packaging and labeling requirements in export markets are changing and exporters don’t yet have the sustainable packaging options to meet those new rules.
- The Minor Use Foundation will receive $2 million to develop supporting data and submit applications for establishment of additional maximum residue limits for specialty crops under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and to build the global alliances and technical capacity needed for future Codex MRL submissions. Codex MRLs are crucial to facilitate trade, but often major commodity crops are prioritized over specialty crops, so this project will help fill the gap. The Minor Use Foundation will partner with the IR-4 Project, which was established by USDA and land-grant universities in 1963, to conduct research to ensure that specialty crops farmers have access to crop protection products to effectively and safely manage pests.
- CABI will lead two initiatives to align pesticide regulatory systems and harmonize MRLs to make accessing new export markets more transparent and predictable for U.S. producers. A $4-million project will focus on Southeast Asia and a $3-million project will focus on regional collaboration in Africa.
- The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture was selected to lead a $3-million project in Latin America and the Caribbean for regional alignment of pesticide regulatory systems and science-based, trade-facilitative MRLs.
- Ag Aligned Global, LLC will lead a $3-million project focused on import MRLs in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, supporting trade with key export markets for U.S. specialty crops. The recipient will coordinate with the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, which represents U.S. specialty crop producer organizations, and with Bryant Christie, Inc. to ensure that that U.S. producers’ input is central to the development of ASCE projects focused on MRLs.
- Bryant Christie, Inc. was selected to develop MRL quick reference sheets for 60 specialty crops in key export markets, helping make the complex requirements more easily understandable for U.S. producers.
For more information about the ASCE initiative, including current and future funding opportunities, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/
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USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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, and building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices. USDA is 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 Awards First $25 Million for Assisting Specialty Crop Exports
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor announced today that USDA has awarded more than $25 million to support eight projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.
USDA launched ASCE in January 2024 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create more, new and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses both at home and abroad. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector focuses on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.
“Specialty crop exporters face myriad import requirements in every foreign market they enter, yet they often don’t have the economies of scale to develop the required certifications or negotiate favorable terms. ASCE will help smaller exporters by directly addressing barriers and supporting industry’s efforts to obtain needed certifications,” Taylor said. “We’re excited to bring on new partners who will provide solutions and allow U.S. specialty crop producers to expand international markets for their world-class products.”
U.S. exports of specialty crops totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for producers nationwide and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond.
The selected partners and projects for the first round of ASCE funding are as follows:
- Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, which was founded by the International Fresh Produce Association, will each receive $5 million to establish ASCE Sustainable Packaging Innovation Labs. The research and projects implemented by these labs will help address one of the top concerns USDA hears from the U.S. specialty crop industry: that packaging and labeling requirements in export markets are changing and exporters don’t yet have the sustainable packaging options to meet those new rules.
- The Minor Use Foundation will receive $2 million to develop supporting data and submit applications for establishment of additional maximum residue limits for specialty crops under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and to build the global alliances and technical capacity needed for future Codex MRL submissions. Codex MRLs are crucial to facilitate trade, but often major commodity crops are prioritized over specialty crops, so this project will help fill the gap. The Minor Use Foundation will partner with the IR-4 Project, which was established by USDA and land-grant universities in 1963, to conduct research to ensure that specialty crops farmers have access to crop protection products to effectively and safely manage pests.
- CABI will lead two initiatives to align pesticide regulatory systems and harmonize MRLs to make accessing new export markets more transparent and predictable for U.S. producers. A $4-million project will focus on Southeast Asia and a $3-million project will focus on regional collaboration in Africa.
- The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture was selected to lead a $3-million project in Latin America and the Caribbean for regional alignment of pesticide regulatory systems and science-based, trade-facilitative MRLs.
- Ag Aligned Global, LLC will lead a $3-million project focused on import MRLs in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, supporting trade with key export markets for U.S. specialty crops. The recipient will coordinate with the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, which represents U.S. specialty crop producer organizations, and with Bryant Christie, Inc. to ensure that that U.S. producers’ input is central to the development of ASCE projects focused on MRLs.
- Bryant Christie, Inc. was selected to develop MRL quick reference sheets for 60 specialty crops in key export markets, helping make the complex requirements more easily understandable for U.S. producers.
For more information about the ASCE initiative, including current and future funding opportunities, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/
###
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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, and building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices. USDA is 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.
The following GAIN reports were released on October 4, 2024.
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Brazil: Sugar Semi-annual
In 2024, Brazil recorded extreme weather events including the intensification of heat waves in several regions. Although the impacts of the fire outbreaks in the sugarcane production are difficult to estimate, the losses caused directly by the fires should not affect Brazil´s total sugar production in the MY 2024/25. Post maintains the forecast for Brazil´s MY 2024/25 sugarcane crush at 645 million metric tons (MMT), revising down the sugarcane production in the CS due to adverse climate conditions to 590 MMT, a decrease of 1.7 percent (600 MMT). Post is revising up the forecast for the NNE production to reflect updated data and the increase in productivity caused by good weather conditions from 44 MMT to 55 MMT. Post revises down the production of sugar in Brazil for MY2024/25 from 44 MMT to 43 MMT raw value, due to the worsening of the quality of the sugarcane. Brazil remains the second-largest recipient of the U.S. sugar tariff-rate quota, receiving an allocation of 155,993 MTRV in FY2025.
Egypt: Egypt Further Extends Deadline for Requiring Halal Dairy Certification Until December 31 2025
On September 19, 2024, the Government of Egypt filed an eighth addendum to the World Trade Organization's (WTO’s) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) -- G/TBT/N/EGY/313/Add.8 -- informing interested parties that the time period during which imported milk and dairy products that are not accompanied by a Halal certificate will be permitted to enter Egypt has been extended until December 31, 2025.
European Union: EU Early Alert - Pesticide Review - September 2024
The European Union (EU) follows a complex, rolling system of review for active ingredients and Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in food. For agricultural inputs, U.S. farmers must know early in the process of review to prevent or mitigate the loss of, and/or access to, chemical inputs. The information in this document provides interested stakeholders with advance notice of those active ingredients under review, highlighting those substances undergoing new restrictions or that may not be renewed. This is a quarterly update from September 2024.
European Union: Sugar Semi-annual
EU27 beet sugar production for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is projected to increase slightly by 4 percent to approximately 15.4 million metric tons (MMT), driven by favorable market conditions and expanded planting areas. However, varying weather conditions and phytosanitary issues have created uncertainties around yields. Consumption remains stable at 16.5 MMT. Imports are forecast up to 2.4 MMT due to rising imports from Ukraine, while exports are expected to drop to 1.1 MMT, down from 1.7 MMT in MY 2023/24. Isoglucose production is forecast to increase, benefiting favorable sugar and input prices.
Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton - Volume 4 Issue 13
Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: ATO Hong Kong teams up with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to train student chefs and showcase U.S. ingredients; Cotton Council International brings Cotton USA Sustainability and Transparency Seminar to Hong Kong; the Centre for Food Safety cracks down on illegal cross-border trade in regulated foods; Muslim leaders push for government halal certification of eateries, and Hong Kong prepares for up to 150,000 attendees at annual Wine and Dine festival.
Indonesia: Guidance on Prior Notice Requirements for All US Commodity Shipments to Indonesia Beginning October 6
This report serves as a follow up to FAS Jakarta’s August 14 and October 3, 2024 reports on Indonesia’s expanded “prior notice” requirements. Exporters must submit a prior notice notification in the Indonesia Quarantine Authority’s (IQA) new online system, on a per shipment basis, for all U.S. commodity shipments departing on or after October 6, 2024. The User Manual, provided in English by IQA, is provided within the report. FAS Jakarta has added questions and answers based on our assessment of information gathered from IQA to help U.S. exporters comply with the prior notice requirement. Please note that this guidance is based on information gathered informally and may be subject to change.
Indonesia: Indonesia Expanded Prior Notice Requirement Effective October 6 2024
On August 14, 2024, FAS Jakarta published a report summarizing an Indonesian Quarantine Agency notification to the WTO which stated that exporters must submit “prior notice” before shipping all agricultural commodities. The requirement to provide “prior notice” of shipments was previously limited to plant products (e.g. fresh horticultural products and grains) but the notification indicated this requirement would be extended to all agricultural products (e.g. meat, dairy, fishery products, and seeds). The U.S. Government submitted detailed comments regarding its concerns about this measure. IQA confirmed on September 30, 2024 that this requirement will come into effect on October 6, 2024. Post is actively working to ascertain more details on the implementation of this measure and provide feedback to IQA.
Israel: Retail Foods
Israel is a net importer of all major categories of food products. The Israeli food retail sector was estimated to be $20.7 billion in 2023, and during the same year, Israel imported around $4.96 million of consumer-oriented products. However, towards the end of 2023, consumer-oriented agricultural imports slightly decreased because of a disruption in shipping due to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. With the ongoing regional conflict, Israeli preferences for consumer-oriented food products have changed to match their changing lifestyle. While many consumers are very price sensitive, others are willing to pay a premium for high quality products. However, as prices remain high, the Israeli government continues to reform its food legislation in efforts to reduce prices and streamline imports.
Malaysia: Oilseeds and Products Update
Post forecasts Malaysia’s palm oil production in MY 24/25 at 19.2 million metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 23/24 projections due to delayed effects of the El Niño season. Recent tax changes for India’s imports of vegetable oil and Indonesia’s exports of palm oil contribute to an expected decline in palm oil exports in MY 24/25 to 15.7 million MT. A competitive vegetable oil market and decreasing soybean complex prices from the United States are expected in MY 24/25.
New Zealand: New Zealand - United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations Conclude
New Zealand has signed a free-trade deal with the United Arab Emirates - the fastest agreement the country has ever reached. After negotiations began in May, the country's trade negotiators concluded the deal in four months.
Nicaragua: Retail Foods Annual
Consumer trends in Nicaragua are shifting towards modern retail channels as remittance flows increase. Supermarkets are expanding rapidly, with one grocery store chain opening eight new locations in 2024. Given the country's high price sensitivity, affordable protein sources like pork and chicken meat are in high demand. U.S. agricultural exports to Nicaragua, particularly consumer-oriented products, increased 27 percent in calendar year 2023, supporting the expansion of the retail sector.
Norway: Norway Exporter Guide
The Norwegian Exporter Guide gives an overview for prospective U.S. exporters who would like to get acquainted with the Norwegian food retail and export market. It provides an economic overview of Norway, its food industry, along with current trends and developments, as well as insights on growing markets and prospects. Furthermore, it also includes references to useful legislation and resources.
Philippines: Grain and Feed Update
FAS Manila forecasts Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25 rice imports to reach 4.60 million metric tons (MT), given the implementation of Executive Order No. 62, 2024 that reduced rice tariff rates from 35 to 15 percent. FAS Manila forecasts rice milled production to decline in MY 2024/25 due to damage and losses from successive typhoons. FAS Manila forecasts corn imports to reach 1.35 million MT for MY 2024/25 as fall armyworm continues to cause a decline in local production. Feed demand is forecasted to grow in MY 2024/25, driven by the broiler and layer industry and the rebounding swine industry. FAS Manila forecasts imports for wheat to increase to 7.15 million MT for MY 2024/25. The demand for wheat is largely driven by increased demand for milling wheat due to economic growth, increased population, a rebound in tourism, moderating inflation, and demand for feed wheat given favorable pricing vis-à-vis corn.
Philippines: Sugar Semi-annual
FAS Manila forecasts raw sugar production at 1.85 million metric tons (MT) for marketing year (MY) 2025, higher than the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) forecast of 1.78 million MT, due to an expansion in area planted and improvements in weather conditions from the previous El Niño, which is expected to provide better production in MY 2025. Post forecasts no additional exports on top of the 24,800 MT raw value shipped to the United States at the beginning of MY 2025, following the recent Sugar Order No.1 allocating all production to domestic consumption. As of this report SRA has not authorized a sugar import program for MY 2025.
South Africa: Sugar Semi-annual
Hot and dry conditions in the autumn and winter of 2024 led to a drop in the production of South African sugar cane. This is expected to translate into a slight decrease in sugar production and exports. Domestic consumption of sugar in MY 2024/25 is revised downwards on further increases in the notional price implemented in September 2024. On August 8, 2024, the South African Revenue Service adjusted the custom duty on sugar from R1,096.60/MT to R2,348.90/MT due to a continued drop in global sugar prices. Despite a drop in sugar production, Post expects that South Africa will fully utilize its allocated U.S. tariff rate quota in MY 2024/25.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Rice export prices further dropped 1-6 percent from the previous week in response to the removal of India’s rice export ban, despite the strengthening 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 October 2, 2024.
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China: Grain and Feed Update
Feed demand in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is expected to recover slightly, with a projected total volume of 286.5 million metric tons (MMT). Corn is expected to dominate feed composition due to low prices, replacing wheat and old stock rice. Corn production is forecast at 293 MMT in MY2024/25, slightly down from previous estimates due to floods but still higher than previous marketing years. Corn imports in MY2024/25 are forecast to drop to 20 MMT. Sorghum and barley imports will remain high in MY2024/25 but slightly lower than record levels, influenced by government pressure to reduce grain imports. Wheat production is expected to rise in MY2024/25, but consumption will decrease due to improved corn quality, limiting wheat substitution in feed. Rice production in MY2024/25 is estimated to decline slightly due to flooding, while rice consumption will decrease, driven by lower feed and food demand.
China: Sugar Semi-Annual
China’s MY 2024/25 sugar production is forecast at 11 MMT, up 600,000 MT as acreage for both cane and beet are up and competition crops are less profitable. China’s MY 2024/25 sugar consumption is forecast at 15.6 MMT, adjusted down 100,000 MT as China’s economy continues to show signs of slow recovery. As China’s imports of raw sugar and processed sugar (syrup and pre-mixed powder) are forecast to remain relatively high, the MY 2024/25 stocks are poised to increase.
Egypt: Retail Foods Annual
Against the backdrop of a series of global shocks, regional conflict, and the war in Ukraine, the Egyptian economy slowed down in 2024 and is projected to recover gradually in the coming years. Small local grocers are the dominant channel in the Egyptian retail market, comprising of more than $13 billion in retail sales and approximately 60 percent market share. However, the food retail industry in Egypt is becoming increasingly competitive, with both local and international players competing for market share through pricing and product innovation.
Guatemala: Retail Foods Annual
In 2023, the Guatemalan market showed significant potential for growth, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and independent food stores expanding their locations. Despite the challenges posed by rising costs, the value of U.S. consumer-oriented product imports into Guatemala reached a record $778.6 million. This report is a valuable resource for U.S. exporters, offering crucial insights on entering the promising Guatemala market, identifying the most lucrative product prospects, analyzing competition, and providing a profile of businesses in the retail food sector.
India: Monsoon Withdrawal Delayed
A heavy 2024 southwest monsoon season has caused flooding and water logging in several central India states, leading to crop damage and expected lower agricultural production. India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that monsoon withdrawal was delayed by a week to September 23 and is likely to further exacerbate crop damage during harvest. Through September 24, cumulative rainfall is five percent above the fifty-year average/long-period average (LPA), with excess rains reported in both central and southern India (15 percent above LPA). Consequently, overall reservoir storage levels are much improved and bode well for Rabi (winter-sown) crops.
Mexico: Sugar Semi-annual
Post forecasts Mexico’s sugar production at 5.4 million metric tons raw value (MMT-RV) for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 (October 1 – September 30). This forecast represents an 8 percent increase from MY 2023/24 on favorable weather conditions and seasonal rains in all sugar-producing regions that have contributed to alleviating, to some extent, drought conditions experienced in the last MYs. The National Committee for the Sustainable Development of Sugar Cane (CONADESUCA) has not yet published an official MY 2024/25 forecast.
New Zealand: Retail Foods Annual
U.S. food and agricultural products have continued to prove popular in the New Zealand market. In 2023, the value of these products was a record US$ 9.3 million, US$ 3.4 million of which were consumer-oriented products. The New Zealand grocery and food retail sector continues to expand. New Zealand imports from the United States include packaged food, pet food, grapes, pork, cheese, animal feed, beer, and wine. FAS/Wellington expects demand to remain strong for consumer food products manufactured in-country and imported.
Nigeria: Grain and Feed Update
Imports of wheat, rice, and corn in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 are estimated to increase as the economy stabilizes, inflation decreases, and the government implements a temporary zero-duty import policy for the afore-mentioned commodities until December 31. Corn production is expected to increase by six percent in MY 2024/25 to 11.68 MMT compared to FAS-Lagos' April 2024 estimate, due to the expected increase in area harvested as high prices encourage more planting. The depreciation of the naira relative to the CFA franc is expected to continue to result in increased informal exports of corn and rice to neighboring countries, as grain traders take advantage of relatively stronger neighboring currencies.
Thailand: Retail Foods Annual
This report provides an overview of Thailand’s food retail sector along with the latest market updates. Thailand's retail industry continued to evolve and improve, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenience. Food and beverage sales are a key driver of the country’s retail industry. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, changing consumer preferences, an increasing focus on health and sustainability are key drivers in Thailand's food retail sector.
Turkiye: Oilseeds and Products Update
Sunflowerseed production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is forecast to drop to its lowest level in almost a decade due to extremely dry weather conditions in the northeast part of the country, where more than half of the production is concentrated. To offset this expected decline, imports of sunflower seed, oil, and meal are all forecast higher. From January-April 2025, a lower-duty quota for sunflowerseed and crude sunflowerseed oil will come into effect to facilitate the country’s import requirements needed to avoid a potential shortfall in cooking oil and meal.
Turkiye: Sugar Semi-annual
Turkiye’s beet sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is forecast to decline year-over-year due to dry and hotter-than-normal weather conditions in the country’s beet growing areas. Our production forecast matches the government-dictated production quota of 3.1 million metric tons (MMT), which was announced back in May 2024. The quota predominantly favors beet sugar production versus corn starch-based sugar. Besides weather-related factors and incremental changes to the size of the quota, there is little change year-to-year in Turkiye’s sugar complex because the sector is highly regulated by the government.
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 October 1, 2024.
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Algeria: Grain and Feed Update
Post maintains Algeria’s cereal planted area and production estimates. Post estimates robust wheat imports for MY 2023/24, surpassing nine million metric tons (MMT). Post forecasts imports for MY 2024/25 to decrease slightly on the current season but to remain elevated from the five year average. The elevated imports are driven by poor domestic harvests, as well as strategic increase in stocks. Notably, the government of Algeria set 2025 as the year to achieve self-sufficiency in durum production and halt durum imports.
China: National Standard for Irrigation Water Quality
The National Standard for Irrigation Water Quality (GB5084-2021) was published jointly by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China on January 20, 2021 and it entered into force on July 1, 2021. The standard regulates the quality requirements for farmland irrigation water and monitoring and analysis methods. This report provides an unofficial translation of the published standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation. This report is being published and shared by FAS China now owing to its relevance to the recent WTO notification on the Code of Practice for Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods.
China: National Standard Soil Environmental Quality Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination of Agricultural Land
The National Standard Soil Environment Quality Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination of Agricultural Land (Trial Edition) (GB15618-2018) was published jointly by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on June 22, 2018 and it entered into force on August 1, 2018. The standard regulates the definitions, risk control limits, and supervision requirements for soil contamination of agricultural land. This report provides an unofficial translation of the published standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation. This report is being published and shared by FAS China now owing to its relevance to the recent WTO notification on Code of Practice for Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods.
Colombia: Retail Foods Annual
Colombia is the top destination for U.S. agricultural products in South America. In 2023, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented agricultural products totaled $759 million, a decrease from 2022 due to the slowdown in economic growth in Colombia and a seven-month (now resolved) ban on U.S. poultry exports. At the end of June 2024, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Colombia reached $486 million, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. A slowdown in economic growth in Colombia has helped fuel the expansion of discounters, whose retail sales grew by 34 percent in 2023 to reach $7.5 billion.
Dominican Republic: Sugar Semi-annual
For marketing year October 2024/September 2025 (MY 2024/25), Post forecasts overall sugar production in the Dominican Republic (DR) to increase to 520,000 metric tons (MT) due to better-than-expected rainfall patterns. During MY 2023/24, total sugar production increased slightly by 2 percent to 494,791 MT relative to last marketing year due to marginally improved rainfall conditions. For MY 2024/25, Post forecasts exports of raw cane sugar at 190,000 MT, which will satisfy the country’s fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025) tariff-rate quota with the United States. During MY 2024/25, Post forecasts imports lower at 70,000 MT, as the country is expected to boost local supply to meet rising domestic consumption.
India: Retail Foods Annual
India's retail food sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased household purchasing power, rising awareness of gourmet products, and a growing economy. Modern retail stores and the online and quick commerce segments are growing rapidly. An increasing demand for healthy, high quality, and multifunctional foods reflects a broader shift towards wellness and value conscious buying. While the United States maintained its position as the top supplier of consumer-oriented agricultural products to India in 2023, competition, India’s stringent food regulations, and high tariffs may hinder significant growth for U.S. food products.
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 September 30, 2024.
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India: Sugar Semi-annual
Post raised the forecast for India’s centrifugal sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 (October-September) to 35.5 million metric tons (MMT), due to adequate rainfall from the 2024 southwest monsoon. The current year's 2023/2024 sugar production estimate remains unchanged at 34 MMT. Sugar exports in MY 2024/2025 remains unchanged at 3.7 MMT as the Indian government continues to maintain export restrictions. Sugar consumption for the forecast year is projected to remain steady at 32 MMT driven by demand during festival seasons and organized and unorganized catering services. Post increased the forecast for India's MY 2024/2025 ending stock to 13.6 MMT due to a good production year and continued export restrictions.
Mexico: Market Snapshot Report - Hermosillo and Sonora
The following is part of a series of reports prepared by the Agricultural Trade Offices (ATOs) in Monterrey and Mexico City, to provide background on local and regional markets of interest for current and prospective exporters of U.S. agriculture, food and beverage products. This report highlights Hermosillo and the state of Sonora, which possess major horticultural and livestock export industries and close economic and cultural ties to the United States. The information contained in this report summarizes opportunities in what is not traditionally considered one of Mexico’s key markets for U.S. products but is a region growing at rates above the national average and with above average GDP per capita. Sonora’s production agriculture is already a major customer for U.S. inputs, and Hermosillo as a consumer market shows growing potential for U.S. exports.
North Macedonia: Overview of North Macedonian Agricultural Market
Agriculture in North Macedonia is an important contributor to the economic and social development of the country. The country has a negative agricultural trade balance that has expanded lately due to constraints on domestic agricultural production, and increasing demand driven by improving consumer incomes and developing tourism, food service, and retail trade. Rising agricultural imports present some new opportunities to U.S. stakeholders. Current trade prospects range from feed grains and protein meals to red and poultry meat, tree nuts, and whisky. Ongoing farm reforms also are opening doors for new crop and animal genetics and for introducing climate-smart agricultural practices.
Panama: Retail Foods Annual
This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the retail food sector in Panama. Important supermarket, hypermarket, and independent specialty food store chains dominates the grocery sector. Panama remains a competitive market for retailers, with the highest per-capita GDP in Central America. Panama is considered the most modern retail economy in the region and includes a robust eCommerce marketplace and food delivery platforms. The Panamanian Grocery eCommerce market is predicted to reach $68.6 million and account for 5.8 of the total cybercommerce.
South Korea: Retail Foods Annual
Korea was the 5th largest country importer of the U.S. agricultural and related products in 2023. The United States is the leading supplier of imported consumer-oriented agricultural products for Korean retail industry, shipping $4.9 billion in 2023. The outlook for U.S. products in the Korean retail industry is excellent for a wide range of products, including pork, dairy, processed fruit, fruit and vegetable juice, food preparations under HS2106, non-alcoholic beverage, and wine.
Turkiye: Tree Nuts Annual
Turkiye’s pistachio production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is forecast to reach a new record due to multiple factors. Higher production volumes and larger-than-normal carryover stocks are expected to prompt sizeable export volumes of Turkish pistachios for the first time. While Turkiye’s production of tree nuts continues to grow, the country is expected to import substantial volumes of almonds and walnuts in MY 2024/25 to meet steady consumer demand. Imports of U.S. tree nuts continue to be disadvantaged by a 10 percent retaliatory tariff that was imposed because of U.S. Section 232 duties on Turkish steel and aluminum. However, despite this additional tax and growing competition, the United States is still the one of the top suppliers of walnuts, almonds and pistachios to Turkiye.
Vietnam: Second tier City Market Report Hai Phong
Hai Phong is Vietnam’s third largest city with a rising population of over 2 million. Notably, it is the largest port city in northern Vietnam, containing three main terminals within the Hai Phong port hub. It is an enticing city ripe with opportunities for economic growth due to its proximity to the capital city of Hanoi, bilateral trade partners such as China, and popular tourist destinations such as Cat Ba Island. Due to the Government of Vietnam and foreign investors’ continuous support of the city’s expansion, Post suggests that U.S. exporters build awareness on their products’ export potential within Hai Phong’s flourishing retail goods and food service industry.
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 September 27, 2024.
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Australia: Australia and the United Arab Emirates Announce Trade Agreement Negotiations Have Concluded
Australia and the United Arab Emirates announced that negotiations on a new trade agreement, the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, have concluded. Over 99 percent of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff-free. The deal will benefit Australian farmers and food producers, with estimated tariff savings of $50 million AUD ($33 million USD) annually on food and agriculture exports. Australia and the UAE are working to formalize the legal treaty text in preparation for signing later this year.
Canada: Canada Consults on Maximum Residue Limits for Pyridate
Canada has opened a consultation to establish new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pyridate on certain meat products, pulses, dried shell peas, and dry soybeans. The consultation will run until December 1, 2024. The proposal is to increase the MRL for meat byproducts from 0.2 ppm to 0.6 ppm and to establish MRLs for dry soybeans, and crop subgroup 6-21F. The current U.S. tolerance for pyridate on chickpea, seed is 0.1 ppm. Canada proposes an MRL of 0.05 ppm for crop subgroup 6-21F (excluding dry lentils) which includes chickpea, dry seed.
China: Northeast China Pet Food Market Brief
U.S. pet food exports to China have grown with the increasing number of registered facilities and approved import licenses. The largest share of Chinese pet owners lives in second-tier cities, with export opportunities for U.S. pet food brands that want to reach more of the Chinese market. Home to the country’s pet breeding hub, four tier-two cities, and a growing pet population, northeast China illustrates both the prospects for U.S. pet food and the constraints such products face in areas beyond China’s largest cities.
Colombia: Colombia Imposes Provisional Duty on US Milk Powder
On July 4, 2024, the Colombian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MINCIT) announced the self-initiation of a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation into U.S. milk powder. On September 17, 2024, MINCIT issued a preliminary determination that imposes a provisional duty of 4.86 percent on U.S. milk powder imports for up to four months. U.S. milk powder exports to Colombia reached nearly $70 million (over 24,000 tons) in 2023.
Czech Republic: Exporter Guide Annual
Czechia has been an interesting market for U.S. food and agriculture high-value products, such as tree nuts, fish and seafood, beef, distilled spirits, wine, and food preparations. The country serves as an entry point for U.S. companies expanding beyond traditional markets in Western Europe to the developing markets in the East. As a European Union (EU) member, the Czech market complies with EU market entry regulations. 2024 seems to be a turning point where some regions experience an increase in consumer confidence and easing of inflationary pressure. The recent positive macroeconomic development carefully signals the potential for an overall economic upturn. In 2023, Czechia’s total agricultural imports reached USD 15.3 billion, a 7-percent increase over 2022, of which nearly 90 percent were sourced from other EU member states.
Honduras: Retail Foods Annual
In 2023, Honduras’s consumer-oriented imports from the United States reached $553 million, making it the second-largest importer in Central America, after Guatemala. At the end of January 2024, imports of goods classified as food and beverages grew by $12.9 million compared to the same period in 2023, with a total value of $212.4 million while total restaurant service sales reached $811.5 million, a 23 percent increase from the previous year.
Morocco: Grain and Feed Update
The Government of Morocco has released its final wheat and barley production numbers for the 2024 crop, including 1.77 MMT of common wheat, 0.70 MMT of durum wheat, and 0.65 MMT of barley, about 43 percent down from the previous year’s crop. In response to low production, the government of Morocco continues to support bread wheat imports based on a fixed flat-rate payment through September 30, 2024.
Pakistan: Grain and Feed Update
No significant changes were made to the 2024/25 wheat supply and demand forecasts. Wheat imports and exports remain banned. The 2024/25 rice production forecast is unchanged at a record 10 million tons. The 2023/24 rice export estimate is reduced slightly to reflect the pace of exports.
Pakistan: Sugar Semi-annual
With the outlook for the sugar industry largely unchanged from the previous report, no significant changes are made to the supply and demand tables. Despite expectations for some build up in stocks, the government’s focus on maintaining domestic price and supply levels will limit sugar exports in 2024/25.
Taiwan: Retail Foods Annual
Retail food channels in Taiwan include convenience stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, which generated more than $25 billion in sales in 2023. The United States remains the leading supplier of consumer-oriented food and agricultural products to Taiwan. U.S. consumer-oriented products such as beef, poultry, and fresh fruit, enjoyed more than 20 percent of the total market share. The aging population in Taiwan prefers products with added health benefits, and smaller family sizes have increased demand for smaller portion sizes.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Rice export prices further dropped 2-6 percent from the previous week despite a strengthening of the Thai baht to a 19-month high.
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 September 20, 2024.
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Cote d'Ivoire: Retail Foods Annual
Côte d’Ivoire’s retail food industry is on an upward trajectory; it is a major importer of food products and ingredients. Food imports will grow in the near- to medium-term since the retail food industry is unable to meet demand through domestic food manufactures alone. In 2023, imports of food products hit $845 million, up 7 percent from $791 million in 2022. Côte d’Ivoire is the gateway and central hub for the West African regional market; also its growing middle-class (with preferences for both local and foreign taste sensations) and improving standard of living offer exciting opportunities. Growing purchasing power of Ivorian households, greater awareness and access to gourmet products, and consumer taste for international cuisines and food products act as growth catalysts in the sector. The fast growing food retail industry benefits from expanding urbanization and a growing middle-class. Ivorian consumers’ demand for quality food imports is resilient despite inflation and the high cost of living.
Japan: Japan Registered Foreign GI Products to Boost Exports
On August 27, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) registered geographical indication (GI) protection for Pineapple Huaymun from Thailand, which is the third Thai GI item registered in Japan. As a result, MAFF is providing protection for six independently registered foreign GI items from Italy, Vietnam, and Thailand under the GI Act. Separately, Japan mutually protects many GI food items from the European Union and United Kingdom through Economic Partnership Agreements that are in force.
Netherlands: Dutch Government Presents Agricultural Plan
On September 13, 2024, the Dutch Cabinet presented its government program for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, outlining key initiatives and commitments for the coming years. For 2025, €40 million ($44.5 million) will be allocated, and €500 million ($555.9 million) is reserved for nature management. From 2026 onwards, a multi-year budget of €5 billion ($5.6 billion) will be available for the government program. The Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural Organization, LTO, responded positively, stating that “realism is back in our agricultural policy.”
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
