USDA latest news

 

Grain: World Markets and Trade This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in grains. Covers wheat, rice and coarse grains (corn, barley, sorghum, oats and rye). Current Report Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in oilseeds. Covers oilseeds (copra, cottonseed, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed), meal (copra, cottonseed, fish, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed) and oil (coconut, cottonseed, olive, palm, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed).

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

World Agricultural Production

Monthly report on crop acreage, yield and production in major countries worldwide. Sources include reporting from FAS’s worldwide offices, official statistics of foreign governments,  and analysis of economic data and satellite imagery. The report reflects official USDA estimates released in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE). 

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

 

Cotton: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in cotton.

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

The following GAIN reports were released on April 9, 2025.

_______

 

 

Burma: Grain and Feed Annual

FAS Rangoon forecasts Burma’s rice and corn production to increase in MY 2025/26 due to improvement in average yield, driven by favorable weather and flood recovery compared to MY 2024/25. Burma’s wheat imports for MY 2025/26 are expected to remain below pre-COVID and pre-coup levels due to challenges in obtaining import licenses. However, exporters and importers face ongoing uncertainty due to the regime’s foreign currency controls, delays in import licensing, and the continued conflict between the regime and ethnic armed forces.

 

Canada: Food Processing Ingredients Annual

The Canadian food and beverage processing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in Canada in terms of both GDP and employment, representing over 16 percent of Canada's manufacturing GDP and 17 percent of Canada's manufacturing jobs. Food and beverage processing sales totaled $116 billion USD in 2024, with the majority of facilities located in Ontario and Quebec. Canada's food and beverage processing industry is deeply integrated with the United States, as Canada's processors import food products, ingredients, and essential inputs for further processing and then reexport final products back into the United States. As a result of recent trade tensions, the Government of Canada is working with the sector to promote voluntary "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada" claims on food labels to make it easy for Canadian consumers to spot products with Canadian input.

 

Ghana: Grain and Feed Annual

FAS Accra (Post) forecasts Ghana’s MY 2025/2026 (July-June) wheat imports at 1.0 million metric tons (MMT), up five percent from the MY 2024/2025 estimate of 950,000 MT. Importers are set to benefit from the new John Mahama-led government’s business-friendly budget statements and economic policy to build up stocks. Ghana does not produce wheat. Post foresees Ghanaian production numbers for corn and rice improving in MY 2025/2026. Caution flags are raised, however, as the Ghana Meteorological Agency is forecasting normal-to-below normal rainfall, and possibly longer dry spells for most parts of the country in 2025. In MY 2025/2026, Ghana's imports of wheat, corn, and rice are all forecast up based on increased consumption and insufficient domestic supplies. The new Ghanaian government is abolishing some taxes and levies that impact imports costs.

 

United Kingdom: Oilseeds and Products Annual

Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 is forecast to see record low plantings of rapeseed oilseeds (rapeseed) in the United Kingdom (UK), down below 250 thousand hectares, with production falling below 750 thousand metric tons. Growers have become disillusioned with rapeseed after suffering from low yields, poor growing conditions, and pest pressures in previous years and have consequently turned to alternative land uses with more reliable returns, such as guaranteed contractual payments from UK agri-environment schemes. Recovering livestock numbers in MY 2025/26, particularly for pigs and poultry, are forecast to drive higher feed demand for both rapeseed and soybean meal.

 

 

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 April 8, 2025.

_______

 

 

Guatemala: Grain and Feed Annual

Rice production in Guatemala is slowly declining due to limited access to improved seed varieties and an insufficient domestic supply of locally developed seeds. As a result, both the cultivated area and overall production are expected to decrease in the coming years. Additionally, formal rice imports have not increased proportionally to meet growing demand, as contraband trade continues to rise. Meanwhile, white corn production is expanding to supply the domestic market, while yellow corn, primarily used for animal feed, is increasing at least four percent annually to meet the demand for the avian, cattle, and swine domestic production. Yellow corn now accounts for 52 percent of total corn consumption with the United States as the main supplier for both rice and corn.

 

Japan: Update to Japan's Liquor Tax

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes. Japan also imposes a 10 percent consumption tax on all alcoholic beverages, which continues to be a consideration for price-conscious consumers. It and may affect preferences for less expensive domestic options vs. imported alcoholic beverage products, that typically demand premium pricing.

 

Mexico: Beans

Mexico's marketing year 2024/25 bean production is 41 percent higher than the record low of the previous year based on increased planted area. However, challenges persist such as adverse weather, limited access to quality seeds, and security issues in key production areas. The government's initiative to establish a seed producing company offers potential solutions, but the timeline for its implementation is unclear. Meanwhile, per capita bean consumption in Mexico continues to decline, reaching 7.7 kilograms per year in 2024.

 

Pakistan: Grain and Feed Annual

Wheat production is projected to fall to 27.5 million tons in 2025/26 due to a decrease in cultivated area and extremely dry weather. This shortfall in domestic production is expected to lead to increased imports, forecast at 1.7 million tons. On the other hand, rice production is anticipated to reach 9.8 million tons, driven by strong export demand and positive returns, although this remains dependent on the replenishment of irrigation water storage levels. With this supply outlook, rice exports are expected to stay robust at 5.8 million tons. Meanwhile, corn production in 2025/26 is forecast to rise to 9.6 million tons, supported by an increase in cultivated area and assuming average yields.

 

Philippines: Oilseeds and Products Annual

FAS Manila forecasts soybean meal imports in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 to increase by 3.1 percent to 3.35 million metric tons (MMT) compared to the previous MY, due to an increase in local feed demand from the broiler, layer, aquaculture, and pet food industries, along with the forecast gradual rebound of the swine industry. Copra crush is forecast to marginally rebound in MY 2025/26 due to better weather conditions, leading to higher coconut oil production. Despite an increase in coconut oil production, FAS Manila forecasts coconut oil exports to remain flat in MY 2025/26, due to an increase in local demand for coconut oil for biodiesel blending. Palm oil imports, a substitute for coconut oil for both cooking and industrial applications, is forecast to increase in MY 2025/26 to supplement supply gaps in coconut oil.

 

 

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 April 7, 2025. _______     Argentina: Oilseeds and Products Annual Argentina’s oilseed sector enters marketing year (MY) 2025/2026 with diverging trajectories across key crops. Soybean area is forecast to contract by nearly one million hectares as producers revert to traditional corn rotations following a soy-heavy year driven by pest concerns. Sunflower seed area holds steady on strong yields and expanding acreage in marginal zones, while peanut production is expected to decline sharply from record highs due to falling prices and diminished profitability. Despite reduced soybean area, crush volumes are set to rise on firm margins, ample carry-in stocks, and continued soybean imports from Paraguay. Domestic vegetable oil consumption remains stable, but export-oriented crush and biodiesel output continue to anchor Argentina’s position as the world’s top soy crusher and exporter of meal and oil.   China: MOF SCTC Announces Adding 34 Percent Tariff on All Goods Originating from United States On April 4, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) announced that China will impose retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. goods. According to the SCTC 2025 Announcement No. 4, the duties would be an additional 34 percent on the current applicable tariff basis. Further, the tariffs would apply to anything not shipped out of the United States before April 10 and that had not arrived in China and imported by the end of day on May 13, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of the SCTC announcement; the accompanying SCTC press release; a reference table of current tariffs and retaliatory tariffs applied to U.S. agricultural, fishery, and forestry products as an attachment; and the original Chinese text of the April 4 announcement as an attachment. U.S. exporters are strongly encouraged to undertake their own review of the announcement to assess any commercial effect on their business and trade with China.   Egypt: Retail Foods Annual While small local grocers dominate the Egyptian retail market, representing more than 50 percent of sales by value, convenience and price will continue to drive the majority of Egyptian consumer buying decisions, presenting growth opportunities across all retail channels. Government spending on infrastructure projects and the growth of Egypt’s tourism sector will also help drive retail expansion. Despite recent economic challenges, Egypt’s expanding urban population is increasingly seeking diverse food products and international cuisines. In 2024, the United States was Egypt’s fifth-largest supplier of consumer-oriented food products.   Peru: Peruvian Seafood and Aquaculture Industry Observations and Analysis  Aquaculture production in 2023 declined steeply to 105,091 metric tons (MT), a 25.43% decrease from 2022. The Peruvian aquaculture industry exported 4.5 million MT in 2023, a decrease of 12.56% from 2022 levels. Imports came in at 119,219 MT, a 18.78% decrease from the previous year. The weak market is attributed to a combination of the effects of political unrest in key aquaculture production regions as well as warmer waters due to the El Niño weather pattern.   Tanzania: Grain and Feed Annual FAS Dar es Salaam expects a ten percent decline in corn exports for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 as production decreases and strict export permit procedures continue to stymie shipments. Wheat imports are projected to rise by 15.4 percent due to low corn supply, rising incomes, dietary changes, and growth in tourism. Rice markets are forecasted to remain broadly unchanged, with only minor increases in area planted in response to favorable domestic prices.     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 April 3, 2025. _______     Brazil: Cotton and Products Annual For MY 2025/26, Post forecasts cotton area to grow 2.9 percent compared to the current season, to 2.13 million hectares. Post also forecasts cotton production at a record 17.8 million bales (3.87 million metric tons (MMT)). Lower costs of production and competitive prices for export contribute to the increase. Yields are expected to increase slightly, about one percent due to positive impacts from La Nina. Post forecasts MY 2025/26 exports at 13.9 million bales (3 MMT), 3.7 percent more than the MY 2024/25 estimate at 13.4 million bales (2.9 MMT), due to increased supplies and expected reduced competition with U.S. cotton. Post forecasts domestic consumption at 3.4 million bales (740 MT), showing a slightly increase from the MY 2024/25 estimate.   Brazil: Food Processing Ingredients Annual The Brazilian Food Processors' Association reported 2024 Brazilian food processing sector revenues at US$233 billion, a growth of 9.9 percent compared to the previous year. Brazil heavily relies on foreign suppliers to fulfill its food ingredient demands, which offers U.S. companies opportunities to provide high-value ingredients. Brazilian food manufacturers and ingredient importers seek innovative products from new suppliers. To learn more, contact us at atosaopaulo@usda.gov.   Brazil: Grain and Feed Annual Brazil’s corn planted area and production for MY 2025/26 are expected to increase. Low stocks and strong demand led corn prices to high levels in the domestic market, growing producers’ sowing outlooks. Corn exports are projected to increase in MY 2024/25 and remain stable in MY 2025/26, given the robust demand for corn internally. For the 2024/25 harvest, rice production is anticipated to be robust, encouraging high exports and supporting the 2025/26 planting. Wheat production in 2025/26 is forecast to reach its second-highest mark in history, following expectations of increased yields through higher crop investments. As a result, imports are forecast to decline based on less internal demand. Meanwhile, the 2024/25 wheat harvest is expected to decrease due to adverse weather affecting yields.   China: Grain and Feed Annual Post forecasts MY 25/26 China corn production at 300 MMT, up 1.7 percent from MY 24/25, while corn imports are forecast at 8 MMT, lower than MY 23/24 levels due to China’s focus on grain self-sufficiency. Wheat and rice production are expected to increase slightly on improved yields and stable planted area, while sorghum and barley imports are projected to decline based on a number of market and non-market factors. Industry analysts have shared that larger-scale stock rotations happen every three to five years and 2025 is scheduled to be a stock rotation year for some grains and oilseeds in China's national reserves. Beijing announced retaliatory tariffs on March 4, 2025 on 740 U.S. agricultural product tariff line items, including 15 percent on wheat and corn and 10 percent on sorghum.   China: Prepackaged Food Labeling Standards Finalized On March 27, 2025, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the General Principles for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025). This standard is a mandatory national food safety standard that provides basic requirements for the labeling of domestic and imported prepackaged foods of all categories. China has announced a two-year transition period for the enforcement of the standard. The standard will enter into force on March 16, 2027. China notified the draft standard to the WTO on July 11, 2024. This report provides analysis of changes affecting imported products and an unofficial translation of the final standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation.   Dominican Republic: Grain and Feed Annual Wheat consumption in the Dominican Republic (DR) during marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (July 2025/June 2026) is forecast to increase by two percent, reaching 520,000 metric tons (MT). Wheat imports are projected to reach 745,000 MT, driven by manufacturer international expansion plans and robust tourism growth. Meanwhile, as domestic corn production is expected to satisfy less than 5 percent of local consumption, corn imports for MY 2025/26 (October 2025/September 2026) are expected to climb to 1.67 million MT based on sustained strong demand from the poultry sector. The projection for milled rice production in MY 2025/26 (July 2025/June 2026) stands at 687,000 MT, up from the last MY. Conversely, rice imports are forecast down from the previous MY at 45,000 MT due to increased domestic production and new trade restrictions.   Ecuador: Grain and Feed Annual Wheat production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (July-June) is projected at just over 10,000 metric tons (MT), a decline from the previous year. With only about 5,000 hectares (HA) dedicated to cultivation, Ecuador’s wheat production is insufficient to meet domestic demand and thus dependent on imports. Corn production for MY 2025/26 (May-April) is expected to reach 1.30 million metric tons (MMT), a 16 percent decrease from the MY 2024/25 estimate due to a reduction of 120,000 harvested hectares. Rice production in MY 2025/26 is forecasted at 1.5 million metric tons (MMT), sustaining the same planted area of 280,000 hectares as in MY 2024.   Honduras: Sugar Annual Sugar production and exports in Honduras are expected to increase in MY 2025/26, driven by higher yields, expanded harvest areas, and greater investment. Productivity improvements in MY 2024/25 were supported by modernization efforts, efficient irrigation, precision agriculture, and climate recovery initiatives. Projection for MY 2025/26 show a 3.4 increase in sugar production and 7.2 percent rise in exports. During this period, it is estimated that 56,000 hectares of sugarcane will be harvested, resulting in 5.4 million metric tons, with 194,000 metric tons of sugar centrifugal expected for export.   Japan: Oilseeds and Products Annual Japan's vegetable oil and protein feed markets are mature and stable. While surging commodity prices and the shipping crisis impacted Japan's oilseed and product imports in the past, the situation has normalized. With imported oils like palm and olive oil becoming expensive, domestically crushed soybean and canola oils have gained a competitive price advantage. Consequently, crushers are expected to marginally increase crush volumes in MY 2024/25 and 2025/26, favoring soybean crush over rapeseed due to better crush margins. The production of domestically produced soybean meal and rapeseed meal is anticipated to rise, reducing Japan’s imports of soybean meal. As of spring 2025, Japanese traders perceive uncertainty in global trade but remain willing to procure oilseeds and products opportunistically. Hokkaido’s favorable weather in MY 2024/25 resulted in excellent food-grade soybean production; however, the food soybean market remains flat due to inflationary pressures.   Mexico: Food Processing Ingredients Annual Mexico's gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed $1.8 trillion in 2024. The economy continues to grow, and it is driven by population growth, consumer demand for convenience, premium, and health-conscious products. The U.S. remains Mexico’s top supplier of food ingredients, with bilateral agricultural trade reaching $79 billion in 2024. The food processing industry represented four percent of Mexico’s GDP in 2024. Processed meat, dairy, and bakery goods dominate the sector, supported by strong consumer demand and ongoing product innovation. Leading companies like Grupo Bimbo, Coca-Cola, Sigma Alimentos, and Gruma shape the market. Mexico’s proximity to the United States, robust trade agreements, dynamic industry landscape, and evolving consumer preferences, offer numerous opportunities for U.S. food ingredient exporters.   South Africa: Oilseeds and Products Annual FAS/Pretoria’s Oilseeds and Products annual report provides information on the production, supply, and distribution for soybean, sunflowerseed, and rapeseed in South Africa for marketing year (MY) 2023/24, MY 2024/25, and MY 2025/26. Stable local demand for oilseed crushing and anticipated export opportunities should motivate producers to maintain level oilseed area in MY 2025/26. Despite major investments to expand oilseed processing capabilities in recent years, local production has exceeded crushing capacity, increasingly shifting excess oilseeds to export markets. MY 2025/26 consumption for oilseed meals and oils are expected to grow marginally, as South Africa’s economic challenges depress demand.   South Korea: Livestock and Products Semi-annual FAS/Seoul forecasts 2025 Korean cattle production and slaughter will drop to 951,000 head and 1,078,000 head respectively. FAS/Seoul forecasts 2025 beef imports to dip to 574,000 metric tons (MT). FAS/Seoul adjusts Korea’s 2025 swine production downward by 2 percent year-over-year, to 1,427,000 MT, forecasting marginal declines in domestic swine slaughter and steady slaughter weights. FAS/Seoul forecasts 2025 pork imports to drop to 702,000 MT.   Thailand: Oilseeds and Products Annual MY 2025/26 soybean crushing demand to grow at a slower pace of two percent due to slow economic recovery with uncertainties from the U.S. reciprocal tariff measures. Palm oil supplies are likely to remain tight in MY 2024/25 and MY 2025/26 due to strong demand for biodiesel production as the government maintained the high levels of mandatory blend rate.   Turkey: Grain and Feed Annual Turkiye’s MY 2025/26 wheat and barley production, most of which are grown without irrigation, are projected to decline year-on-year due to limited rainfall during the fall and winter months and prospects of more dry weather. Rice production is also predicted lower year-over-year due to worries over dry weather conditions and concerns over the availability of irrigation water, especially in the key rice growing area in northwest part of Turkiye. On the other hand, corn production is projected to increase from last year due to strong domestic prices and based on the expectation that farmers in corn-growing parts of the country will have sufficient access to irrigation water. With water resources under increasing pressure, the Turkish government recently instituted a new crop production plan that is designed to boost national food security while conserving water resources. As this program is still very new, it is not expected to have a visible impact on grain production in MY 2025/26.   Vietnam: Vietnam Eliminates and Reduces MFN Import Tariff Rates on Select Agricultural Products On March 31, 2025, the Government of Vietnam (GVN) issued Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, reducing the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import tariff rates on corn, soybean meal, ethanol, frozen chicken drumsticks, in-shell pistachios, almonds, fresh apples, cherries, and raisins. The decree takes effect immediately.     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 April 1, 2025. _______     Chile: Grain and Feed Annual For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post estimates that the wheat area harvested will total 193,000 hectares (ha), representing a 1.0 percent decrease from MY 2024/25 due to high input costs and low prices. Wheat production is expected to reach 1.158 million metric tons (MMT). Wheat imports are projected to increase by 2.8 percent over MY 2024/25, reaching 1.30 million metric tons to cover domestic consumption needs. In MY 2025/26, Post forecasts corn production to reach 551,000 metric tons (MT), a slight decrease from MY 2024/25 due to unchanged area harvested and slightly lower yields. Corn imports are expected to increase by 2.0 percent, totaling 2.55 MMT to meet the feed demand from the pork and poultry industry.   Egypt: Cotton and Products Annual Post forecasts Egypt’s MY 2025/26 cotton production at 320,000 bales, down 25 percent from the previous season due to a significant decrease in area harvested. In MY 2024/25, the government-established auction prices more than doubled from the previous year, discouraging private traders from procuring local production and resulting in higher carryover stocks. As a result, Egyptian farmers are expected to plant less in MY 2025/26. However, Post forecasts MY 2025/26 exports at 300,000 bales, 66 percent higher than MY 2024/25, on steady demand and exports being more competitively priced relative to international prices. Domestic consumption is estimated at 750,000 bales in MY 2025/26, up 3.4 percent from USDA’s MY 2024/25 official figure, on expanded spinning and weaving capacity, supported by the Egyptian public sector and international investments.   India: Food Processing Ingredients Annual India’s food processing sector holds significant growth potential in tier II and III cities and rural areas. This report aims to guide U.S. companies who wish to export processed food ingredients to India, where rising demand for healthy snacking and consumer-oriented food products provides ample opportunity to introduce U.S. processed, fresh, and packaged food and beverages into the market. However, complexities remain due to high tariffs, erratic trade and regulatory restrictions, and strong competition from domestic and international suppliers.   Indonesia: Grain and Feed Annual Sustained rainfall due to a subsiding El Nino and a weak La Nina that is predicted to last until April 2025 will likely lead to increased rice and corn production in 2024/25. Food self-sufficiency policies prioritized by Indonesia’s new administration, combined with a weakening Indonesian rupiah, and higher production are expected to severely curtail imports of corn and rice in 2024/25. Although the new President’s flagship Free Nutritious Meals program is slated to be well funded, it is expected to have limited effect on food and feed demand during its first year of implementation as suppliers await more certainty and clarity on procurement regulations before making operational adjustments.   Japan: Food Processing Ingredients Annual In 2024, Japan's food processing sector had a 3.9 percent increase in the value of food produced, totaling $174 billion. Production increases occurred in dairy, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and cocoa, and health foods.   Mexico: Avocado Annual Mexico’s 2025 avocado production is forecast at 2.75 million metric tons (MMT), a three percent increase over 2024 on strong export demand. Exports are forecast at 1.34 MMT in 2025, up five percent year-on-year. The United States is Mexico’s number one export market and is the destination for 80 percent of exports by volume. The United States is followed by Canada (seven percent) and Japan (three percent). Mexico’s per capita avocado consumption grew nearly ten percent in 2024 to about 27 pounds. Due to growing domestic production imports remain limited and are declining; they are forecast to fall ten percent in 2025 to 3,800 MT.   Mexico: Cotton and Products Annual Post forecasts marketing year (MY) 2025/26 production at 0.86 million 480-lb bales, a 16 percent decrease compared to the previous MY due to high input costs, severe drought conditions, low international cotton prices, power outages, and lack of access to new genetically engineered seed varieties. MY 2025/26 cotton consumption is forecast unchanged from the previous year primarily on slow domestic demand growth and increased competition from synthetic fibers and yarn imports from Asia.   Netherlands: Food Processing Ingredients Annual In 2024, the Dutch food processing industry continued to face challenges due to geopolitical tensions, market uncertainty, and rising raw material costs, all of which are causing price fluctuations. Labor costs are also increasing, driven by higher wages from collective labor agreements and an ongoing worker shortage. Energy costs remain high due to taxes on electricity and natural gas, though they have slightly decreased since 2023. Meanwhile, packaging and logistics costs have stabilized but are still above 2021 levels, adding to production expenses. Despite these difficulties, the pressure on consumers' purchasing power continues to grow, and food prices are expected to remain elevated throughout 2024.   Pakistan: Oilseeds and Products Annual Following the resumption of genetically engineered soybean imports after two years, soybean imports are forecast to rebound to 2 million tons in 2025/26. With a slight increase in domestic production expected, rapeseed imports are forecast to decline. Meanwhile, population growth will continue to drive consumer demand for cooking oil, and palm oil imports are expected to continue rising. Domestic oilseed production is forecast to increase slightly in 2025/26, as farmers switch from wheat to rapeseed.   Panama: Food Processing Ingredients Annual This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the Food Processing industry in Panama. It is primarily a service – based economy, but food processing is one of its top industries. These include dairy processors, meat, poultry, fishery, fruits, beverages and spirits, bakery, snacks among others. Opportunities for U.S. – origin ingredient suppliers are in demand as the Panamanian industry is benefiting from the latest trends of substitute plant-based alternatives and consumer dietary preferences for processed food from whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts.   Tunisia: Grain and Feed Annual Highly favorable winter growing conditions set Tunisia up for a well above average 2025 harvest. The wheat and barley crops have developed very well entering the most critical growing period in April. Post forecasts MY 2025/26 wheat and barley production at 1.35 MMT and 500,000 MT, respectively, with imports at 1.7 MMT and 450,000 MT. Wheat and barley forecasted imports represent roughly a 10% and 40% decrease respectively compared to estimated imports in MY 2024/25.     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 March 31, 2025. _______     Bangladesh: Cotton and Products Annual For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts a slight increase in cotton imports due to increasing demand in the ready-made garments industry. West African cotton holds the largest market share in Bangladesh, while other major exporters include Brazil, India, and the United States.   Bangladesh: Grain and Feed Annual For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts lower rice imports than in MY 2024/25, assuming higher production based on favorable weather. Demand for wheat continues to increase and Post forecasts slightly higher imports for MY 2025/26 to align with demand. As Bangladesh’s feed sector grows, more farmers are planting to corn to take advantage of the high prices and increased demand.   Canada: Oilseeds and Products Annual Production of oilseeds (including canola, soybeans, and sunflower seeds) is forecast to increase only marginally in MY 2025/26 over the previous marketing year, reaching 25.57 million MT. Strong canola oil demand from the United States is expected to continue as canola oil export prices average their lowest since 2020 and a weak Canadian dollar helps offset at least part of the newly imposed tariff costs on American importers. Canada continues to benefit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) December 1, 2022 determination to approve U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways for certain biofuels produced from canola oil. Canola processing levels and the export levels of canola seed and products in MY 2025/26 are highly dependent on the future determination of several regulatory factors in the United States and Canada.   Ghana: Ghana - Cocoa Sector Overview - 2025 Ghana's cocoa bean production in marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 (October-September) is expected to climb to 700,000 metric tons (MT), up 32 percent from the MY 2023/2024 season's 531,000 MT production figure. The jump in production is attributable to improved yields recorded during the early part of the current year’s main crop harvest. In the MY 2024/2025 season, reportedly more effective pruning exercises are underway. Also, the Ghanaian government is supplying farmers with more adequate quantities of insecticides to cover this season’s application requirements. Ghana's cocoa bean exports are projected to reach 520,000 MT, up 55 percent over the preceding year’s estimate of 336,000 MT.   Morocco: Grain and Feed Annual Despite heavy rains in March, the 2025 wheat crop will be below the 10-year average. Production will be slightly higher than the drought impacted levels of 2024, but hot and dry weather early in the growing season and less area planted will limit total wheat production. Post forecasts MY 2025/26 production at 1.7 MMT for common wheat, 1.1 MMT for durum wheat, and 700,000 MT for barley. To cover demand while maintaining stock levels, Post forecasts Morocco’s wheat imports in MY 2025/26 at 7.3 MMT, while barley imports are forecast at 0.9 MMT.   Philippines: Food Processing Ingredients Annual As inflation eases, Post forecasts food sales growth at five percent in 2025 driven by population growth and rising incomes. Food and beverage manufacturing is expanding, indicating solid growth in the sector, amid higher production costs, particularly for inputs. Manufacturers are developing new products to increase sales and rely on U.S. ingredients for quality and consistency. The United States remains the largest single-country exporter to the Philippines with 16 percent market share. The Philippine market presents strong opportunities for wheat, dairy products, poultry, pork, beef, starch products, fruits, vegetables, food preparations, and soybeans from the United States.   United Kingdom: Food Processing Ingredients Annual The United Kingdom's (UK) food manufacturing sector faces a challenging landscape, with cost increases projected to reach 2.9 percent in 2025. In response, manufacturers are strategically focusing on new product development to capture market share and cater to evolving consumer demands for healthier choices. Key trends anticipated for 2025 include products with reduced sugar content, bold and spicy flavor profiles, and innovative products of melon-inspired ingredients. On October 1, 2025, new regulations targeting products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) will take effect, prohibiting volume-based pricing strategies and restricting advertising on television and online before 9:00 PM. In addition, an increased sugar tax will impact the pricing of high-sugar beverages, encompassing soft drinks, sweetened coffees, and milkshakes.   United Kingdom: UK government publishes Precision Breeding secondary legislation Two years after the primary Precision Breeding legislation was passed, the UK government has published the secondary legislation needed to implement it. After this Statutory Instrument clears its Parliamentary hurdles, the way should be clear for gene editing techniques to be used to develop improved crop varieties for commercialization, with applications for the first authorizations expected in fall 2025.     For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.