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The following GAIN reports were released on July 8, 2025. _______Systembolaget, Sweden’s government alcohol monopoly, now officially recognizes wines certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), allowing CSWA-certified wines to qualify for Systembolaget’s “Most Sustainable Beverages” label, which highlights products meeting high standards for environmental and social responsibility. Sweden ranks as the 13th largest export market for the U.S. wine industry and in 2024, exports were valued at $19 million.
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USDA Advances Trump Administration’s Farmer-First Agenda at UN FAO Conference
Delegation pushes bold reform, demands accountability from global institutions
in defense of American agriculture
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering led the delegation — on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins — to the 44th Session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference in Rome, delivering a clear message: international organizations supported by American taxpayers must deliver results that align with U.S. interests and directly benefit American farmers, ranchers, and producers.
During the Conference, the U.S. national statement was firmly delivered, echoing President Trump’s vision and Secretary Rollins’ commitment to prioritizing American farmers and ranchers.
“Today, the U.S. sees FAO at a crossroads,” said Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering during the U.S. national statement to the FAO plenary. “One path is business as usual—more mandates, more meetings, more process, slow progress. The other path brings us back to basics and results—focusing on FAO’s core mission and making a real and sustainable difference on the ground. When farmers and ranchers can produce more, move their goods more efficiently, and compete fairly, everyone benefits—from farm to table to globe.”
In meetings with FAO leadership and international counterparts, Bekkering emphasized U.S. reform priorities and the need for results-based, science-driven leadership.
Alongside Chargé d’Affaires Scott Turner of the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome, Bekkering discussed with FAO Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol how to better align FAO’s efforts with the priorities of its largest contributor. In a focused meeting with FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero, she stressed that FAO credibility depends on its use of the best available science, data and evidence.
The United States also met with Codex Secretary Sarah Cahill and underscored the importance of Codex Alimentarius to supporting American agriculture and fostering trade and encouraged more consistent communication on how international food safety standards benefit U.S. producers. The delegation also engaged the International Fund for Agricultural Development, meeting with Ronald Hartman, Director of Global Engagement, to push for increased collaboration with the American private sector in its global investments.
In bilateral talks with Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister Tom Rosser, Bekkering discussed joint efforts to defend transparent, evidence-based agricultural policy across multilateral settings. She welcomed Canada’s alignment on key issues related to trade facilitation and regulatory coherence, reinforcing the importance of North American leadership on the world stage. Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering also met with Sweden’s Vice Minister for Rural Affairs Daniel Liljeberg to strengthen relations while sharing concerns about EU trade-barriers including the EU Deforestation Regulation, and underscored that American farmers produce the safest, highest-quality food in the world and deserve full access to global markets.
Looking ahead, USDA will continue engaging with the FAO and U.S. interagency partners to advance reform priorities. This includes supporting the State Department’s review of U.S. engagement with international organizations to ensure alignment with American strategic and economic interests.
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The following GAIN reports were released on July 7, 2025.
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China: Stone Fruit Annual
China’s peach and nectarine production is forecast to fall 3 percent year-on-year to 17 MMT in MY 2025/26, driven by drought in the northwest and a spring cold snap in the north. Cherry production is anticipated to rise 6 percent to 900,000 MT on acreage expansion and improved management. Fruit consumption remains subdued due to economic challenges. Cherry imports from Chile are expected to remain strong owing to competitive prices and increased supplies, while U.S. cherry exports will likely decline further due to retaliatory tariffs imposed by the Chinese government.
Hong Kong: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report provides guidelines on Hong Kong’s food import regulations. For the 2025 FAIRS report, updates have been made to the following sections: Section III: Packaging and Container Regulations - Update on implementation date of Producer Responsibility Scheme; Section IV: Food Additive Regulations - Amended MRL on Preservatives in Food Regulations; Section V: Pesticides and other Contaminants - Contaminants Control Regulations, Proposed amendment on the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations; Section VI: Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registration Measures -Import protocol for raw meat and poultry; and reduction of duties on alcoholic beverages above 30 percent alcohol by volume.
Spain: Spanish Dried Fodder Production Expansion to Support Export Recovery
Despite the lower area anticipated, ample spring precipitations are expected to increase fodder yields in MY 2025/26. While a more dynamic domestic market demand is expected to absorb a larger share of production, the recovery of production, together with steady demand from third country markets, is expected to support a recovery of Spain’s fodder exports in MY 2025/26.
Ukraine: Exporter Guide Annual
Despite the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's retail, food processing, and food service sectors are functioning. The retail industry 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 2023-2024 and kept improving in 2025. Many imports recovered to pre-war levels. Decreased consumer purchasing power and a focus on cheaper product tiers have pushed many U.S. imports into the high-end segment. Ukraine is adopting numerous European Union (EU) import regulations to align its regulatory system as part of EU accession negotiations that started in July 2024. The import situation for food and agricultural products will remain dynamic, with logistics challenges, until the end of the war.
USDA Welcomes Eight New Foreign Service Officers to Serve American Agriculture Overseas
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2025—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering administered the oath of office to eight USDA employees who will serve American agriculture around the globe as members of the Foreign Service.
The newly minted diplomats will begin their careers as agricultural attachés at U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions on five continents, where they will monitor and report on global agricultural production and trade, identify export opportunities for U.S industries, and support U.S. foreign policy objectives.
“The Foreign Service corps is the face and voice of U.S. agriculture around the world, serving at more than 90 embassies and missions covering more than 170 countries,” Bekkering said. “I congratulate this new class of officers who have been through a rigorous selection and training process and proven themselves ready to take on the challenge of protecting and advancing the interests of American agriculture in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
The officers sworn in today are:
- Emma Aspell from Woodstock, Vermont; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
- Colby Branch from Mahopac, New York; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Bogotá, Colombia.
- Samuel Driggers from Davis, California; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Pretoria, South Africa.
- Nigel Hunter from South Orange, New Jersey; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Mexico City, Mexico.
- Herpin Rochet Jateng from Silver Spring, Maryland; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Manila, Philippines.
- Kristi Schammel from Maple Grove, Minnesota; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Travis Stahl from Dayton, Ohio; assigned to the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Stephanie Swinehart from Tacoma, Washington; assigned to the Agricultural Trade Office in Tokyo, Japan.
More information about USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and its work to advance U.S. agricultural interests around the globe is available at www.fas.usda.gov.
The following GAIN reports were released on July 3, 2025.
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Angola: Exporter Guide Annual
With a population of more 36 million people, including a segment of high-income consumers looking for quality imported products, Angola presents an array of export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. Angola is a significant importer of food and agricultural goods, making foreign purchases totaling more than $2.1 billion from more than 60 countries in 2024, an increase of 19 percent on imports from the previous year. Middle- and high-income consumers, especially in the capital of Luanda, are looking for quality imported goods. Post has identified the following consumer-oriented product categories with the most potential for U.S. exports: poultry, beef, pork, bulk soy and palm oil, sauces and condiments, wheat, distilled spirits, and wine.
Caribbean Basin: Exporter Guide Annual
The Caribbean Basin region continues to experience growth, driven primarily by the steady rise in tourism, which in turn impacts consumer demand. In 2024, U.S. agricultural exports of consumer-oriented products to the region reached $1.64 billion, a 6 percent gain when compared with 2023. U.S. exporters seeking to expand into new markets will find opportunities in the region due to its relative economic stability and growing demand for a diverse range of food and beverage products.
Chile: Exporter Guide Annual
Chile presents strong opportunities for U.S. exporters, supported by its open economy, transparent regulatory environment, and long-standing Free Trade Agreement with the United States. In 2024, Chile remains one of the Latin America's most stable and business-friendly markets, with a solid middle class, high urbanization, and growing demand of high-quality imported products. Chilean consumers show a strong preference for U.S. brands, particularly in categories such as dairy products, pork, beef, and poultry products, condiments and sauces, beer and distilled spirits, and confectionary products. U.S. exporters benefit from zero tariffs on most goods, a well-developed distribution network, and a retail sector receptive to innovation and premium offerings.
China: Exporter Guide Annual
China remains a leading producer of food and agricultural products, as well as a top market for U.S. agricultural exports. Demand for U.S. agricultural and food products remained strong with imports of U.S. consumer-oriented products totaling $7.1 billion, according to China’s import data. This annual report provides practical tips for U.S. agricultural exporters on how to conduct business in China, including information on export opportunities, local business practices, consumer preferences, including food standards regulations, and import and inspection procedures.
Dominican Republic: Exporter Guide Annual
The Dominican Republic (DR) is ranked among the top three destination markets in the Western Hemisphere and within the top 12 markets globally for U.S. consumer-oriented products. In 2024, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to DR topped $1 billion, 10 percent higher year-on-year primarily due to strong demand from foreign tourism and the retail sector. During the first four months of 2025, U.S. consumer-oriented exports reached over $423 million, up 10 percent relative to the same period last year. While trade in the consumer-oriented category continues to expand, the United States is on pace to continue consolidating its position as the top supplier of consumer-oriented agricultural products to the Dominican Republic, capturing almost 50 percent share of the import market.
Ecuador: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report identifies Ecuador’s import requirements for foreign export certificates, highlighting current procedures and identifying the relevant local agencies with oversight over these issues. An export certificate matrix and outline is included. This report supplements the FAS Quito Food and Agricultural Import Regulations (FAIRS) Country Annual 2025 report.
France: Exporter Guide Annual
In 2024, French imports of U.S. food and agricultural products reached approximately $1.05 billion, reflecting modest growth. Key growth sectors include tree nuts, seafood, specialty beverages, and health-oriented products. Despite economic headwinds, France remains a significant market for U.S. exporters, particularly in premium and niche segments.
India: India Extends Unrestricted Imports of Yellow Peas
India has extended the policy of unrestricted imports of yellow peas at zero duty until March 31, 2026. On May 30, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued a custom notification continuing the import duty exemption on yellow peas through March 31, 2026. On May 31, 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a related notification extending the unrestricted import policy on yellow pulses with a bill of lading on or before March 31, 2026.
Jamaica: Exporter Guide Annual
In 2024, the United States retained its position as the leading exporter of agricultural and related products to Jamaica, exporting approximately $650 million in bulk, intermediate, and consumer-oriented goods. Jamaica’s strong tourism sector, combined with domestic demand, continues to make it a ripe market for U.S. suppliers, particularly for consumer-oriented products. In 2024, U.S. consumer-oriented products, which accounted for nearly 46 percent of total U.S. sales to Jamaica and rose 2 percent year-on-year, represented the largest product category with over $290 million in shipments.
Malaysia: Exporter Guide Annual
The Malaysian food and beverage sector growth continues on a strong food processing sector and an increase in tourism fueling the HRI sector. While halal certification is mandatory or strongly required for most foods, there are ample prospects for market share growth in the halal product space. Malaysia’s total agricultural and related product imports in 2024 reached $25 billion USD, the United States has a market share of four percent.
Mexico: Exporter Guide Annual
In 2024, Mexico was the largest market for U.S. agricultural products and the only market to reach over $30 billion in agricultural exports. Market opportunities continue to expand with U.S. consumer-oriented products increasing by 13 percent. U.S. meat products, food preparation, fresh vegetables and baked goods are among the largest growing food categories. Continued opportunities in the retail and food service sectors, with increased growth in the food processing sector makes Mexico an optimal market for U.S. products. Maintaining a strong grasp of the Mexican import process and business culture and identifying a reputable importer will help U.S. companies maximize market opportunities in Mexico.
Panama: Exporter Guide Annual
This report offers U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products valuable insights on conducting business in Panama. In 2024, exports of U.S. agricultural and related products to Panama reached approximately $942.6 million. Panama presents a promising market for exporting U.S. agricultural goods, thanks to its population, strategic geographical location, and strong affinity for American food and culture. Additionally, Panama's ambitious public infrastructure initiatives and expanding services sector enhance its emerging role as a regional trade hub, creating further opportunities for U.S. high-value food and beverage products.
Turkey: Grain and Feed Update
For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Turkiye’s production of wheat and barley, most of which are dry farmed, is forecast lower year-over-year because of drier-than-normal weather conditions. Similarly, rice production is projected lower because of water limitations, especially in the northwestern Marmara region, where a significant amount of the country’s rice crop is grown. In contrast, corn production, which is less impacted by the dry weather because most of the crop has access to irrigation, is forecast higher year-to-year as farmers are expected to expand plantings in response to strong prices. Imports of wheat and barley in MY 2025/26 are expected to surge to fill the shortfall in domestic production. Meantime, Turkish flour exporters hope to regain market share lost the prior marketing year after the government limited wheat imports.
United Arab Emirates: Exporter Guide Annual
With a gross domestic product of $548.6 billion and projected growth of 3.7 percent in 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks as the second-largest economy in the Arab world, with substantial consumer spending driven by high per capita income. Notably, it is the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2024, U.S. exports of agricultural and agricultural related products to the UAE reached $1.4 billion, an 8.41 percent increase over 2023. More than 81 percent of the increase came in consumer-oriented goods. The UAE's efforts to diversify economically has resulted in a resilient economy, less reliance on oil revenues, and more focus on sectors like tourism, retail, and technology. As a major regional trade hub, bolstered by favorable trade agreements and modern infrastructure, the UAE has positioned itself as a leading re-export hub.
Vietnam: Exporter Guide Annual
This report serves as a practical guide for U.S. exporters wishing to initiate or increase exports of U.S. consumer-oriented products to Vietnam. It provides an overview of the market potential, practical tips, consumer preferences and trends, food standards and regulations, import and inspection procedures, and useful industry and government contacts.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/
