USDA,FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE,update

 

U.S. Agricultural Exports Opportunities in Taiwan In 2024, Taiwan was the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, 16 percent greater than 5 years ago. The top five U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan are beef and beef products, soybeans, corn, wheat, and fresh fruits. In December 2024, an agreement as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force. The agreement covers trade facilitation, customs, anticorruption, and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. The agreement has yet to conclude other topics undergoing negotiation, including agriculture. The United States was the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan in 2024, accounting for 25 percent of Taiwan’s import market, followed by Brazil (10 percent) and China (6 percent). Please click here to read more >>

The following GAIN reports were released on May 29, 2025.

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China: Regulations on the Protection of New Plant Varieties Finalized

On May 1, 2025, China released amended regulations governing the protection of new plant varieties. The amendments enhance the protection of new plant varieties, establish an essentially derived varieties system, extend the protection periods, shorten preliminary examination time, and strengthen the management of foreign variety rights applications. The amended regulations will come into effect on June 1, 2025.

The following GAIN reports were released on May 28, 2025.

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Ghana: Success Story - FAS Accra Cowboys Facilitate Border Crossing of US-origin Texas-bred V8 Brahman Cattle Destined for Guinea

FAS Accra (Post) successfully facilitated the transit of a small herd of high-value, reproductive Texas-bred V8 Brahman cattle. The cattle round-up started out in Texas making its way via Chicago to Doha with landfall in Coastal West Africa's Accra (Ghana). Post's expeditious intervention expedited Ghanaian (ECOWAS) import permits and sanitary clearances, as well as transit authorizations. Within 24-hours from arrival, the V8 Braham cattle were already on the road again making their way out of Ghana through neighboring Côte d'Ivoire and up to their destination in Conakry, Guinea - a 1,500-mile odyssey to their new home range. The shipment of seven young cattle was set for a stressful stopover at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport, that lacks adequate animal handling and quarantine facilities. However, Post's border facilitation assistance ensured the health and safety of this American live cattle shipment.

 

Hong Kong: Hong Kong Agricultural Import and Re-Export Overview

This report provides an overview of Hong Kong’s agricultural imports and re-exports. As a free port with zero duties on nearly all agricultural products, Hong Kong serves as a regional distribution hub for a wide range of products, including fresh fruit, food preparations, wine and distilled spirits, and seafood. This status is reflected in Hong Kong’s annual agricultural imports of $24 billion, approximately 42 percent of which are re-exported, including significant volumes to mainland China, Macau, Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan.

 

Thailand: Grain and Feed Monthly

Thai rice export prices are trending up, with the premium grades, such as Hom Mali rice, showing the most significant increase. Thailand's rice exports between January to March 2025 faced significant challenges with more Indian rice entering the global market.

The following GAIN reports were released on May 27, 2025.

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Argentina: Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report

This report includes technical requirements and export certificates for the export of food and agricultural products to Argentina. It complements the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Annual Country 2023 Report.

 

China: US Exporters Report 11 Million USD in Sales at Food Ingredients China 2025

In March 2025, the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Shanghai hosted a USA Pavilion at Food Ingredients China (FIC), a USDA-endorsed trade show. The pavilion hosted 20 U.S. exhibitors showcasing American ingredients, including dairy, ginseng, flavoring, pulses, and dried fruits. FIC welcomed 91,538 visitors over three days with U.S. exhibitors reporting a combined $11 million in on-site and projected sales following their participation.

 

Japan: FOODEX Japan 2025 Report

In March 2025, ATO Tokyo organized a USA Pavilion at FOODEX Japan, one of the largest international trade-only food shows in Asia that provides a strong venue for U.S. food companies to find importers and increase distribution in Japan and other Asian markets. Our office worked closely with IMEX Management to organize the USA Pavilion.

The following GAIN reports were released on May 23, 2025.

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Argentina: Argentine Government Extends the Partial Lowering of Export Taxes on Wheat and Barley through March 2026

On May 20, 2025, the Argentine Government extended lower export tax on wheat and barley of 9.5 percent through March 2026. All the other commodities will return to their higher previous levels on July 1, 2025.

 

Brazil: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Hits Commercial Plant in World's Largest Poultry Exporter - Brazil

On May 16, 2025, Brazil, the world’s largest chicken meat exporter, reported its first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial plant. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has initiated measures to resolve the case, including a sanitary void period as of May 22nd for 28 days. Brazil expects a reduction in trade restrictions by the end of this period. The sector does not plan to decrease production levels, as foreign demand remains high.

 

Costa Rica: Costa Rica Dairy Facility Registration Requirements

As of May 10, 2025, Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) has streamlined the facility registration process for U.S. dairy products. This report contains guidance on the new process for U.S. dairy producers, exporters, and traders interested in exporting to Costa Rica.

 

Rwanda: Exporter Guide

Rwanda is a growing economy with a young population and expanding retail sector that offers opportunities for U.S. agricultural and food exports. The country’s increasing demand for safe, high-quality products coupled with the growth of modern retail and e-commerce platforms creates favorable entry points. However, exporters must navigate high tariffs, regulatory hurdles, and regional competition. This guide provides U.S. exporters with key insights into Rwanda’s market landscape, identifies priority product opportunities, and outlines strategies to effectively navigate the business and regulatory environment.

 

Thailand: Thailand Publishes Certification Requirements for Aquatic Animals Developed Using Genome Editing Technology

Thailand’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) has established procedures to certify aquatic animals developed through genome editing technology for domestic research and development, production, and/or distribution. Eligible animals must show gene knockout, induced mutation, or novel gene traits without incorporating foreign DNA. DOF requires electronic application submission. DOF or its designated centers will review applications, monitor certified animals, and may revoke certifications if standards are not met or if false information is discovered. Certification revocation takes immediate effect.

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