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The following GAIN reports were released on January 28, 2025. _______China: MOFCOM Issues Questionnaires for Imported Beef Safeguard InvestigationOn January 26, 2025, the PRC Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Trade Remedy Investigation Bureau (TRIB) published notice 2025 No. 28 which includes the relevant questionnaires for exporters, importers, and domestic producers registered to take part in the imported beef safeguard investigation. Completed questionnaires are due to MOFCOM by 5:00 p.m. February 17 (China). This report includes a translation of the announcement, links to all three questionnaires, and an unofficial translation of the questionnaire for beef exporters. All U.S. beef exporters are encouraged to undertake their own review of the notice and deadlines. Cote d'Ivoire: Cote d'Ivoire Designates the United States as the SELAB 2026 Country-of-HonorThe Ivorian Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (Ministère des Ressources Animales et Halieutiques-MIRAH) organized the November 22-24, 2024, Abidjan Livestock and Agricultural Exhibition (Le Sommet de l'Élevage d'Abidjan-SELAB). Held annually in Côte d’Ivoire’s vibrant economic capital of Abidjan, the SELAB 2024 event promotes the country’s national livestock and agricultural sectors. The Ivorian agricultural sector generated some $9.8 billion in food and agricultural product exports in calendar year (CY) 2024 (January-December); accounting for nearly 47 percent of the country’s total export earnings of $21 billion. At the SELAB 2024 closing ceremony, MIRHA Minister Sidi Touré announced that the United States will serve as SELAB 2026 Country-of-Honor. Côte d'Ivoire can benefit from U.S.-origin livestock genetics, meat and meat products (beef, pork, poultry), and dairy products. India: India DAHD Publishes Clarifications on Documentation for Sanitary Import Permit ApplicationIndia’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying published Office Memorandum L-110111/1/2022 – Trade (E-21390) on September 19, 2024, clarifying the required documentation for examination of the online application of Sanitary Import Permit (SIP). It enlists the required documents with respective details and format. This comes in as a response to Indian importers’ queries to better understand the requirements for smooth 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 January 24, 2025.
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Argentina: Grain and Feed Update
Wheat production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is estimated at 18.1 tons, higher on a larger area. Exports remain unchanged, with Brazil expected to be quite active. Barley production and exports in MY 2024/25 are expected to remain unchanged from the previous update. Corn production in MY 2024/25 is estimated at 49 million tons, although the current dry spell and high temperatures suffered in practically the whole country could hurt potential yields unless widespread rains are present soon. Smaller production would have a direct impact on exports, estimated at 34 million, practically unchanged from the previous year. Sorghum production in MY 2024/25 is estimated at 3.8 million tons, with exports at 1.5 million tons. While China has imported little Argentine sorghum year to date, it normally imports the bulk of it in the second half of the marketing year. Rice production in MY 2024/25 is now estimated up at 1.5 million tons rough base as good weather so far.
Canada: Exporter Guide Annual
Canada continues to be the top international market for U.S. consumer-oriented products, accounting for approximately 25 percent of the United States' total global consumer-oriented agricultural exports. Regulatory cooperation, sophisticated transportation logistics and financial markets, geographic proximity, similar consumer preferences, and relatively affluent consumers are the reasons Canada continues to offer excellent export opportunities for new-to-export small- and medium-sized U.S. companies. Contact the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service office in Ottawa at AgOttawa@state.gov to learn more about the promising export opportunities in Canada.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
USDA Trade Mission to Expand Exports in Thailand, Southeast Asia
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spearhead a trade mission to Bangkok, Thailand, from Feb. 3 - 6, 2025, to expand agricultural exports and strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia. The mission includes nearly 40 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from five state departments of agriculture.
“Our farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses are the backbone of American agriculture,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Acting Associate Administrator Patrick Packnett, who will lead the mission. “This mission is not just about boosting exports—it is about creating enduring partnerships that benefit American farmers and meet the growing demand of Southeast Asian consumers for high-quality, U.S.-grown products.”
In 2023, the United States exported $1.2 billion in agricultural products to Thailand, making it the country’s fifth-largest supplier. While bulk commodities dominate current exports, Thailand’s expanding middle class and growing demand for imported goods create strong opportunities for U.S. consumer-oriented products. With a population of 70 million and real GDP projected to rise 2.6 percent in 2024, the region offers significant growth potential.
During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will participate in business-to-business meetings with importers from both Thailand and Burma and will learn about local market conditions through site visits and briefings by USDA staff and other regional trade experts.
In addition to representatives from the following businesses and organizations, Packnett will be joined by North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and officials from the Idaho, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin departments of agriculture.
- ADM Asia Pacific Trading – Decatur, Ill.
- Ag World Int’l Corp - Bloomington, Ill.
- Agrifred Exports US - Murray, Iowa
- American Egg Board - Chicago, Ill.
- American Peanut Council - Alexandria, Va.
- Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers - Seattle, Wash.
- Carter International - Panama City Beach, Fla.
- CAS InterGlobal - Pleasanton, Calif.
- Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin - Madison, Wis.
- Flying Horse Services, Inc - Arcadia, Calif.
- Globex - New York, N.Y
- Grassland Dairy Products, Inc - Greenwood, Wis.
- Herr Foods, Inc - Nottingham, Pa.
- Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) - Billing, Mont.
- Kizable, LLC - Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Lead (USA) Global Group LLC - Monterey Park, Calif.
- Moyen (Love Angela M Reference Lab) - San Bernardino, Calif.
- Olam Food Ingredients - Chicago, Ill,
- Pacific Cheese Co., Inc - Hayward, Calif.
- PacRim Wine & Spirits - San Rafael, Calif.
- Parker-Migliorini International LLC - Salt Lake City, Utah
- PIC Inc. - Hendersonville, Tenn.
- Premium Peanut - Douglas, Ga.
- Raisin Administrative Committee - Fresno, Calif.
- Rivermaid Trading Co - Lodi, Calif.
- Schreiber Foods - Green Bay, Wis.
- Scott Brothers Dairy - Chino, Calif.
- Secret Creamery - Las Vegas, Nev.
- Simplot Animal Sciences - Emmett, Idaho
- SMART Reproduction - Jonesboro, Ark.
- Space Enterprises LLC - The Woodlands, Texas
- Trex Crop Inc - Burlingame, Calif.
- Trident Seafoods Corp - Seattle, Wash.
- U.S. Grains Council - Washington, D.C.
- U.S. International Foods - St. Louis, Mo.
- U.S. Meat Export Federation, Inc - Denver, Colo.
- United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC - Monterey Park, Calif.
- Wilridge Vineyard, Winery, and Distillery - Yakima, Wash.
For more information about this and other USDA trade missions, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/topics/
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USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Hong Kong
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Hong Kong, scheduled for May 12-16, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by Jan. 30, 2025.
“This mission offers U.S. exporters a vital platform to build connections and gain insights essential for success in Asia,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley. “It is an opportunity to showcase the quality and reliability of U.S. agricultural products to a thriving market.”
In 2023, Hong Kong ranked as the 17th-largest global market for U.S. agricultural products, importing $1.5 billion worth of goods. As a free port and gateway to broader markets in south China, Macau, and southeast Asia, Hong Kong provides significant opportunities for U.S. exporters across sectors, including:
- Poultry, pork, beef, and related products
- Seafood
- Tree nuts
- Fresh fruit
- Condiments and sauces
- Soups and prepared foods
- Bakery goods, cereals, and pasta
- Candies and confectioneries
- Alcoholic beverages, including distilled spirits, wine, and beer
During the trade mission, participants will engage in tailored business-to-business meetings with buyers from Hong Kong, attend market briefings hosted by USDA staff and trade experts, and participate in site visits and networking events. The trade mission also coincides with the USDA-endorsed HOFEX trade show – Asia’s premier food and hospitality event, providing participants with enhanced exposure to key buyers.
Hong Kong is Asias’s culinary capital and the eight-largest export market for U.S. consumer-oriented agricultural and food products.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.fas.usda.
The Hong Kong trade mission is one of several USDA-led export promotion opportunities in 2025, with additional missions planned to Côte d'Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, and Taiwan. Application details for these missions will be announced soon.
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 USDA.gov.
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USDA Trade Mission to Expand Exports in Thailand, Southeast Asia
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spearhead a trade mission to Bangkok, Thailand, from Feb. 3 - 6, 2025, to expand agricultural exports and strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia. The mission includes nearly 40 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from five state departments of agriculture.
“Our farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses are the backbone of American agriculture,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Acting Associate Administrator Patrick Packnett, who will lead the mission. “This mission is not just about boosting exports—it is about creating enduring partnerships that benefit American farmers and meet the growing demand of Southeast Asian consumers for high-quality, U.S.-grown products.”
In 2023, the United States exported $1.2 billion in agricultural products to Thailand, making it the country’s fifth-largest supplier. While bulk commodities dominate current exports, Thailand’s expanding middle class and growing demand for imported goods create strong opportunities for U.S. consumer-oriented products. With a population of 70 million and real GDP projected to rise 2.6 percent in 2024, the region offers significant growth potential.
During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will participate in business-to-business meetings with importers from both Thailand and Burma and will learn about local market conditions through site visits and briefings by USDA staff and other regional trade experts.
In addition to representatives from the following businesses and organizations, Packnett will be joined by North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and officials from the Idaho, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin departments of agriculture.
- ADM Asia Pacific Trading – Decatur, Ill.
- Ag World Int’l Corp - Bloomington, Ill.
- Agrifred Exports US - Murray, Iowa
- American Egg Board - Chicago, Ill.
- American Peanut Council - Alexandria, Va.
- Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers - Seattle, Wash.
- Carter International - Panama City Beach, Fla.
- CAS InterGlobal - Pleasanton, Calif.
- Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin - Madison, Wis.
- Flying Horse Services, Inc - Arcadia, Calif.
- Globex - New York, N.Y
- Grassland Dairy Products, Inc - Greenwood, Wis.
- Herr Foods, Inc - Nottingham, Pa.
- Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) - Billing, Mont.
- Kizable, LLC - Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Lead (USA) Global Group LLC - Monterey Park, Calif.
- Moyen (Love Angela M Reference Lab) - San Bernardino, Calif.
- Olam Food Ingredients - Chicago, Ill,
- Pacific Cheese Co., Inc - Hayward, Calif.
- PacRim Wine & Spirits - San Rafael, Calif.
- Parker-Migliorini International LLC - Salt Lake City, Utah
- PIC Inc. - Hendersonville, Tenn.
- Premium Peanut - Douglas, Ga.
- Raisin Administrative Committee - Fresno, Calif.
- Rivermaid Trading Co - Lodi, Calif.
- Schreiber Foods - Green Bay, Wis.
- Scott Brothers Dairy - Chino, Calif.
- Secret Creamery - Las Vegas, Nev.
- Simplot Animal Sciences - Emmett, Idaho
- SMART Reproduction - Jonesboro, Ark.
- Space Enterprises LLC - The Woodlands, Texas
- Trex Crop Inc - Burlingame, Calif.
- Trident Seafoods Corp - Seattle, Wash.
- S. Grains Council - Washington, D.C.
- S. International Foods - St. Louis, Mo.
- S. Meat Export Federation, Inc - Denver, Colo.
- United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC - Monterey Park, Calif.
- Wilridge Vineyard, Winery, and Distillery - Yakima, Wash.
For more information about this and other USDA trade missions, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/topics/
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The following GAIN reports were released on January 27, 2025.
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Argentina: Argentina Slashes Export Taxes Amid Economic Pressures - Sparking Hope for Argentine Farmers
Argentina will cut export taxes on major agricultural commodities, effective January 27, 2025, on key crops including soybeans, corn, and wheat. These lower export taxes will remain in place throughout this crop season until June 30, 2025. The government also permanently eliminated export taxes on other crops such as sugar and peanuts, aiming to alleviate the strain on producers of low global prices, high production costs, and dry growing conditions. The move, welcomed by the agricultural sector, is expected to boost farmer profitability and global competitiveness while signaling potential long-term policy shifts by the Argentine government.
Cambodia: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report lists the major certificates required by Cambodian government agencies for U.S. agricultural products exported to Cambodia. The list of certificates primarily focuses on major U.S. agricultural exports to Cambodia, such as soybeans and soybean meal, distillers dried grains with solubles, meat and poultry products, fruits and vegetables, and other grocery items.
Cameroon: Exporter Guide - Cameroon
While Cameroon has experienced steady economic growth over the past 20 years, and is the largest economy in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the country is challenged by low consumer purchasing power, high food inflation, and a difficult business enabling environment. Through November 2024, U.S. agricultural and related exports were valued at $30.4 million. Best U.S. agricultural and related export prospects include animal and aquaculture feed ingredients, and bulk commodities, including corn, rice, soy, and wheat. This report serves as a guide for U.S. exporters seeking to export U.S. agricultural and related products to Cameroon. It provides a market overview, import food standards and regulations, import procedures, market trends, and key contacts.
Canada: Grain and Feed Update
The wheat-growing regions of the Prairie Provinces experienced improved soil moisture conditions going into the winter months and during the first three months of winter. The improved moisture conditions are particularly welcome after three years of relatively dry springtime plantings. In MY 2024/25, exports of wheat are forecast to increase one percent over the previous year on a two percent increase in domestic supplies over the previous year.
Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton - Volume 5 Issue 1
Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: USDA announces an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Hong Kong; Consul General Greg May and ATO Hong Kong welcome leaders from the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council; ATO Hong Kong teams up with celebrity chef Andy Dark to showcase festive U.S. dishes; Hong Kong government unveils a blueprint to boost tourism; Hong Kong hotel tax resumes January 1, 2025; and multi-entry visas for Shenzhen travelers show early signs of boosting retail and catering sales.
Israel: Updates to the Israeli Law for Enhancement of Competition in the Food Sector
Recent amendments to the Israeli Law for Enhancement of Competition in the Food Sector (2014) highlight the efforts of the Israeli government to lower the cost of living. The latest steps taken by the Competition Authority to enforce penalties for those in violation of the law emphasize the importance of this issue to the government. The new amendment and the recent enforcement by the Competition Authority could generate new opportunities for exporters and strengthen their position in the Israeli food market.
Namibia: Exporter Guide
The contemporary formal market sector, which provides most of Namibia's income, and the country's traditional subsistence sector make up the economy. While most Namibians engage in subsistence farming and herding, the country employs over 200,000 skilled workers and a significant number of highly qualified professionals. Namibia presents prospects for American exports, particularly for consumer goods as well as Livestock genetics. American exporters face obstacles such as low-priced local and South African suppliers, preferential trade agreements with U.S. competitors, and a weak local currency exchange rate against the dollar. However, Namibian consumers' interest in trying new products has opened opportunities for U.S. exports.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
