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The following GAIN reports were released on January 6, 2025. _______
Argentina: Oilseeds and Products UpdatePost maintains the previous forecast for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 for Argentina's soybean production at 52 million metric tons (MMT), consistent with the USDA's official estimate. This is driven by soy acreage gaining ground to corn and consistent favorable weather conditions with sufficient rainfall in the last several months. Post forecasts MY2024/25 soybean area planted at 17.8 million hectares (MHA) However, potential La Niña-induced dryness could still impact yields throughout the growing season. Despite these challenges, Argentina is set for a record high soybean crush, forecast at 42 MMT, driven by robust exports and a steady crush rate. Meanwhile, sunflower seed production is forecast at 4 MMT, with strong processing and export activity expected, bolstered by competitive international prices. Sunflower oil exports are anticipated to reach 900,000 metric tons, marking an increase from the previous year.
China: New and Renewed Biosafety Certificates Issued - December 2024On December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) events. The announcement includes seven renewed and one new biosafety certificate for GE crops approved for import as processing materials, five new biosafety certificates for gene-edited events for domestic cultivation and processing including the first gene-edited rice event, one renewed and eight new biosafety certificates for GE crops approved for domestic cultivation and processing, four biosafety certificates to expand valid area, seven renewed and five new biosafety certificates for genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) for animal use, one renewed biosafety certificate for GMMs for plant use and 33 renewed biosafety certificates for GE cotton approved for domestic cultivation and processing. The validity period of new and renewed biosafety certificates is five years.
Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton - Volume 4 Issue 17Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: ATO Hong Kong partners with the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Texas Beef Council for the Great American Texas Barbecue 2024; ATO Hong Kong creates a social media stir as top Hong Kong mixologists showcase their appreciation of U.S. distilled spirits; a new visa scheme for Shenzhen travelers gives a boost to Hong Kong restaurants; Hong Kong International Airport again named top cargo hub in Asia; major spirits retailer cuts prices on premium brands following duty reduction; and a new bargain retailer enters the competitive Hong Kong retail space.
Romania: FAIRS Export Certificate Report AnnualRomania applies European Union (EU) regulations on imports of animal and non-animal products from the United States. The legislation on export certification is generally harmonized at the EU level. Romanian legislation applies to the minor categories on which requirements are not harmonized. This report contains updated links when necessary. This report should be read in conjunction with the EU FAIRS Export Certificate Report, as it provides comprehensive information about export certificates.
Ukraine: Exporter Guide AnnualDespite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine's retail, food processing, and food service sectors are functioning. The retail sector is working to maintain an assortment of imported products. Fish and other seafood, beef, nuts, food ingredients, whiskey, beer, snacks, and pet food imports are growing. After the economy and imports contracted in 2022, the situation recovered in 2023 and kept improving in 2024. A decrease in consumer purchasing power and a focus on cheaper product tiers has pushed many U.S. imports into the high-end segment. Ukraine is adopting numerous EU import regulations as it aligns its regulatory system as part of EU accession negotiations that started in July of 2024. The food and agricultural products import situation will remain dynamic with logistics challenges until the war ends.
Ukraine: Ukraine Self-Imposes Export Restrictions on EU TradeMatching import restrictions imposed by several EU member states on Ukrainian grains, oilseeds, and poultry, Ukraine adopted export licensing and export quotas for 2025. Ukraine’s measures are designed to prevent the triggering of EU safeguard measures envisaged by EU Regulation 2024/1392.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. |
he following GAIN reports were released on January 3, 2025.
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The following GAIN reports were released on December 31, 2024.
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China: Safeguard Investigation on Imported Beef
On December 27, the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Investigation Bureau announced a safeguard investigation on global beef imports following a petition by the China Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA) and nine provincial animal agriculture associations. The investigation covers fresh, chilled, and frozen beef products classified under specific HTS codes, valued at $14.2 billion in 2023. Interested parties have 20 days from the date of publication to register or comment. This report provides unofficial translations of the initiation announcement and safeguard investigation application attachments.
Mexico: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
The only genetically engineered (GE) product in commercial production is GE cotton, with obsolete seeds and only in restricted areas. There has been no advance in plant or animal biotechnology development and production, mainly due to policy and regulatory constraints. In 2023, trade in products that may have used microbial biotechnology at some point in their value chain totaled $14.14 billion.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
