USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on September 24, 2025. _______     El Salvador: FAIRS Country Report Annual Since August 7, 2024, the Superintendence for Sanitary Regulation has been responsible for food and beverage product registration in El Salvador. The Consumer Protection Law is enforced by the Consumer Protection Agency (DDC). Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of meat and dairy products, and pet food import permits. Food safety norms are becoming stricter, sometimes causing unnecessary trade delays.   El Salvador: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This report provides examples of the significant export certificates and other documents required by the government of El Salvador for U.S. exports of food and agricultural products. Please note that El Salvador’s import requirements change frequently and are often subject to discretionary decisions at entry. Since August 7, 2024, the Superintendence for Sanitary Regulation has been responsible for food and beverage product registration in El Salvador, while the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to approve import permits for unprocessed meats, bulk dairy, produce and pet food.   Germany: Retail Foods Annual Germany, with over 84 million wealthy consumers, is the third largest importer of consumer-oriented agricultural products. In 2024, grocery retail sales reached approximately USD 293 billion, with imports of consumer-oriented agricultural products rising sharply by 33 percent to USD 91.9 billion. The retail market is highly competitive, price-sensitive, and consolidated, but also features a significant segment of consumers willing to pay premium prices for quality and value. Rising inflation and energy costs have increased food prices, leading many consumers to be more strategic in their purchases. Private label products have profited from the recent economic slowdown. They hold a market share of 36.2 percent in 2024. Key trends include growth in e-commerce grocery delivery, demand for convenience foods, health-conscious and ethical purchasing, increased importance of product labeling, and a rise in quality meat consumption and decline in vegan diets.   Guatemala: FAIRS Country Report Annual Regulations for importing food and agricultural products in Guatemala remain unchanged since the 2024 FAIRS report. In July 2025, the Ministry of Health launched SNAP-GT, a digital platform designed to streamline the registration of processed foods and the issuance of import permits. The platform is currently undergoing upgrades to broaden access, allowing more types of users to register products, request permits, and consult the database. Additionally, the most recent updates include revised links and trade-related administrative costs to ensure importers have the latest information.   Guatemala: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This report has no major changes from the 2024 report except for additional information on FDA export certificates and updated links.   India: Kharif Sowing Increases but Heavy Rains Impact Standing Crops Kharif sowing is three percent higher than the same period last year, driven by increased acreage under rice and maize. However, heavy rains in late August caused flooding and widespread waterlogging in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, severely affecting standing crops. As of September 5, cumulative rainfall is nine percent above the long-period average, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal rainfall for September 2025.   Jordan: Wheat and Barley Opportunities in Jordan Jordan offers significant opportunities for U.S. exporters of wheat and barley due to its reliance on grain imports and its robust food security policies. With domestic wheat production meeting only 3 percent of national demand and barley serving as a critical component of livestock feed, the Government of Jordan (GoJ) actively procures large quantities of grain through international tenders. Demand for high-quality wheat and specialty flours from local mills is also on the rise as high-end bakeries and cafe culture continue to expand. This report outlines market dynamics and actionable steps for U.S. exporters to engage in this market, if interested.   Nigeria: Grain and Feed Update Corn and wheat imports are projected to rise in the marketing year (MY) 2025/26, due to a more stable foreign exchange rate, improved consumer purchasing power, and lower world grain prices compared to the prior MY. These factors are expected to lower production costs for feed and flour millers. Notably, the decline in domestic corn prices is expected to increase poultry and egg production, a major source of corn consumption in Nigeria. Rice imports are projected to rise by 5 percent to 3.2 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2025/26 due to favorable import pricing.   Philippines: Grain and Feed Update FAS Manila increases its forecast for rough rice and corn production in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26, supported by favorable weather and continued government support programs. Wetter weather conditions in the third quarter of 2025 and limited access to mechanical dryers have tempered the increase in rice and corn output in MY 2025/26. Post forecasts rice imports to decline in MY 2025/26 due to the 60-day import ban, partially offset by higher stock carryover from MY 2024/25. Post also forecasts moderate growth in feed corn and feed wheat consumption in MY 2025/26 due to hog repopulation challenges compared to MY 2024/25, while milling wheat demand during the same period remains strong, driven by population growth and rising incomes.   Saudi Arabia: Retail Foods Annual In 2024, the Saudi food retail market was estimated at more than $50 billion and projected to increase by more than 5 percent annually in the coming years due to the continued urbanization, growing population, changing shopping habits, expansion of physical store locations, and increasing popularity of online platforms. Saudi consumers prefer U.S. agricultural products, and the United States is well-positioned to gain additional market share over the next several years.     For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

WASHINGTON, September 24, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Taipei, Taiwan, to expand trade opportunities for U.S. companies and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The mission takes place from September 29 to October 1 and includes 39 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from three state departments of agriculture working to strengthen U.S.–Taiwan trade relations. 

“With strong economic growth and proven demand for high-quality U.S. food in Taiwan, now is the time for U.S. agribusinesses to expand their presence,” said USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers and help them forge partnerships to tap into this dynamic market.”  

Taiwan is the eighth largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, with trade growing by 16% between 2019 and 2024. The United States remains Taiwan’s top supplier, accounting for 25% of its agricultural import market, recording a $3.1 billion surplus in 2024. High-value products, such as fresh fruits, pet food, beef, poultry, and dairy products, make up more than half of all U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan, exceeding $2 billion of the total $3.8 billion agricultural export value.

Taiwan is a high-income economy of discerning consumers and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. products such as soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, beef, and pork have strong potential for growth in Taiwan. U.S. producers have a proven record as reliable business partners, with quality products, competitive prices, transparent business practices, and a strong record of mutually beneficial trade relationships.

Participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from Taiwan, gaining market insights and fostering new partnerships. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, networking events and site visits to maximize trade opportunities. 

Officials from Idaho, Kansas, and Montana state departments of agriculture will join Under Secretary Lindberg as well as: 

1. Ag Partners Cooperative – Seneca, Kan.
2. AJC International Inc. – Atlanta, Ga.
3. Appellations Cellar Winery – St. Helena, Calif.
4. Bear Fiber – Morganton, N.C.
5. California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif. 
6. Dairy Farmers of America – Mechanicsburg, Pa.
7. De Lune Corp. – Springfield, Va.
8. East-West International Group – Moreland Hills, Ohio
9. Globex International – Atlanta, Ga.
10. Grove Services – Atlanta, Ga.
11. Heartland Essentials – Gilbert, Ariz.
12. Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.
13. James Farrell & Co. – Bellevue, Wash.
14. JM Grain – Garrison, N.D.
15. Kennedy Rice Mill – Mer Rouge, La.
16. Koch Foods – Park Ridge, Ill.
17. Mariani Packing Co. Inc. – Vacaville, Calif.
18. MEM Fairway Inc. – Irvine, Calif.
19. Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council – Mankato, Minn.
20. Nestlé Purina PetCare – St. Louis, Mo.
21. One Vine Wines – Poway, Calif.
22. Organic Trade Association – Washington, D.C.
23. Pet Food Institute – Washington, D.C.
24. Raisin Administrative Committee – Fresno, Calif.
25. Rumei Global & Co, LLC. – Roseburg, Ore.
26. Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance – Mankato, Minn.
27. TAG Enterprise Ltd. – Los Angeles, Calif.
28. Tedford/Tellico, Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.
29. Trident Seafoods Corporation – Seattle, Wash.
30. Triple Crown Organic BBQ Sauces – Minneapolis, Minn.
31. United Dairy Ingredients Group, LLC. – Monterey Park, Calif.
32. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
33. U.S. Grains Council – Washington, D.C.
34. USA Rice Federation – Arlington, Va.
35. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
36. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
37. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
38. Valley Pride Ag Co – Fresno, Calif.
39. Wonderful Citrus – Delano, Calif.

USDA’s trade mission to Taiwan is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic led to projected 12-month sales of $64 million. USDA will lead an agricultural trade mission to Mexico in November and recently opened recruitment for a trade mission to Indonesia in February of 2026. 

For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. 

USDA Invests $8.3 Million to Address Trade Barriers and Expand Market Access for Specialty Crops

FY 2025 Trade Promotion Programs open market access for American producers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced it is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients address trade barriers and expand international market access for U.S. specialty crops.

The funding is provided through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, which manages the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. TASC helps U.S. specialty crop producers combat trade barriers, as well as promote and sell their goods internationally.

“Our market development programs are bringing the bounty of American agriculture to people around the world, helping millions of hardworking American farmers, ranchers, and producers connect their safe, high-quality products with growing export markets,” said Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg. “Not only does TASC provide the tools they need to overcome technical obstacles, it also chips away at the nearly $50 billion Biden-era agricultural trade deficit which has held back rural America for far too long.”

Through TASC and similar programs, USDA partners with non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, state agencies, and small businesses to expand market access and conduct overseas marketing and promotional activities on behalf of U.S. agricultural producers and processors.

The USDA market development programs return an estimated $24.50 for every dollar invested.

The TASC program makes $9 million available annually to fund projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops.

The full list of FY2025 recipients and details about the program is available at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/technical-assistance-specialty-crops-tasc.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Reveals Three-Point Plan to Support U.S. Agricultural Farmers, Ranchers, Producers, and Exporters

Approach is designed to rapidly respond to new opportunities created by President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal trade deals

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 23, 2025 –Last week, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, announced an aggressive three-point plan that will support American agricultural producers and exporters.

“President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”

The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

America First Trade Promotion Program

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized an additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. USDA will kickstart that program one year early with $285 million in FY26 and launch the American First Trade Promotion Program.

T.R.U.M.P. Missions (Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers).

USDA will launch a new model of trade missions — as a supplement the current model — targeting reciprocal trade deal countries and new market access opportunities. The focus of these will be determined country-by-country to maximize high-return, low-risk agricultural export prospects and connect buyers and sellers.  

Revitalize export finance opportunities

The GSM-102 credit guarantee program is authorized to offset $5.5 billion in market risk for purchasers of American commodities. Currently, the program has only $2 billion in liabilities on its books. USDA will reinvigorate this program to ensure it is best aligned to facilitate American exports to new markets. The GSM-102 program provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products. By reducing financial risk to lenders, credit guarantees encourage exports to buyers in countries that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments.

“Advancing these programs, as supplements to our existing programs, ensures the health, prosperity, and security of rural America, our farmers, ranchers and producers,” said Lindberg. “Restoring the United States to the Golden Age of the American farmer is an exciting journey and will once again culminate in our status as the breadbasket to the world.”

The following GAIN reports were released on September 22, 2025. _______     Brazil: Update on Legal Challenges Surrounding the Soy Moratorium in Brazil - Market Risks and International Pressure The Soy Moratorium, a 2006 voluntary agreement preventing the trade of soybeans from deforested Amazon lands after 2008, remains a cornerstone of Brazil’s environmental commitments. The agreement faces growing opposition from agribusiness groups, who argue that it economically harms producers and violates Brazilian law. Recent legal disputes, including a suspension of the moratorium and its subsequent reinstatement by a federal judge, have magnified tensions, with international buyers reaffirming their support for the agreement and warning against sourcing from deforested areas.   China: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in China Imported Craft Beer Market China’s craft beer market offers significant growth potential for U.S. breweries, driven by rising demand for premium and innovative beer styles among younger, urban consumers. However, the market is not without its challenges including high import tariffs, regulatory complexities, and intense competition from both domestic and international players. To succeed, U.S. breweries must adopt a strategic approach that combines digital engagement, tailored product offerings, and active participation in trade shows and beer festivals. By leveraging their strengths in innovation, quality, and diverse beer styles, U.S. brands can position themselves to capture market share and build lasting connections with Chinese consumers in this rapidly evolving landscape.   China: Proposed Regulation on Recalls of Cross-Border E-Commerce Imported Retail Foods On September 9, 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and Ministry of Commerce jointly published a proposed regulation to further strengthen the supervision of recalls on cross-border e-commerce imported retail foods. The proposal is open for public comments until October 8, 2025. At the time of this report, China has not notified the proposed regulation to the WTO. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft proposal. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impact on their business.   China: The National Food Safety and Hygiene Standard for Production of Compound Seasonings Notified On September 4, 2025, China notified the National Food Safety and Hygiene Standard for the Production of Compound Seasonings to the WTO as G/SPS/N/CHN/1351. This new standard specifies the scope of application, sanitation requirements for production facilities and environments, use of ingredients, and food safety control systems. It applies to the production of compound seasonings and aquatic seasonings. Comments may be submitted to the China’s SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until November 3, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard.   China: Use of Food Nutritional Fortifier Draft Regulation Notified On September 4, 2025, China notified the National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Nutritional Fortifier to the WTO as G/SPS/N/CHN/1353. This standard specifies requirements for the use of nutritional fortification substances, selection for fortifiable food categories, and provisions on how to use nutritional fortification substances in foods. Comments may be submitted to China’s SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until November 3, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard.   Colombia: Colombia Reopens Market for US Live Cattle On September 10, 2025, Colombia officially reopened its market to U.S. live cattle under the same import requirements as previously established, following successful discussions between USDA Bogota and Colombia's Plant and Health Authority (ICA). Import requirements are now accessible through ICA’s SISPAP system. This development resolves the April 2024 restrictions on U.S. live cattle and select bovine products, which were initially imposed due to concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.   India: India Announces New Goods and Services Tax Rates  On September 3, 2025, the Government of India (GOI) announced revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which includes food and agricultural products. The GOI lowered the GST rates for most food products, exempted certain basic essential food items, and increased rates for some categories. The new rates will take effect on September 22, 2025. The purpose of these revisions is to make food more affordable, encourage healthier choices, and promote economic growth.   Kenya: Grain and Feed - Field Report In August 2025, Agricultural Specialists from FAS Nairobi visited wheat and corn producers, aggregators, millers, and distributors across Kenya to gather information on the status of the current crop. Adequate rainfall reported by producers in 2025 suggests that wheat and corn production will return to their normal levels in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, in line with official USDA estimates. Post continues to expect Kenyan farmers will produce around 4.4 million metric tons of corn (48.9 million bags), and 280,000 metric tons (3.1 million bags) of wheat this year. Kenyan farmers report challenges with access to fertilizers, traditional drying methods, and grain storage.   Mexico: Grain and Feed Update Improved dam levels and increased demand for local white corn and rice are expected to drive up production in marketing year 2025/2026. Sorghum and wheat production are projected to decline due to weaker price expectations. Higher corn production is likely to stabilize imports, even as domestic demand remains robust. Imports of wheat, rice, and sorghum are forecast to increase, as production is unable to meet rising consumption.   South Korea: Poultry and Products Annual Korea’s chicken industry is poised for modest growth in 2026, with production set to increase 0.5 percent despite supply constraints in parental stock broilers. Consumption is forecast to rise by 2 percent to 1.1 million MT, driven by competitive pricing, product diversification, and heightened demand during major international sporting events. Imports are expected to grow by 9 percent, supported by lower prices compared to domestic chicken. While a temporary ban on Brazilian poultry imports due to avian influenza disrupted supply in mid-2025, speedy adoption of regionalization policies allowed imports to resume from HPAI-free areas of Brazil. Exports are projected to remain steady at 65,000 MT, with Vietnam as the primary market for frozen layer hens and limited heat-processed products reaching new international markets.   Turkey: Turkiye Drops its Retaliatory Tariffs on US Ag Products On September 22, ahead of an upcoming presidential summit, Turkiye announced it was lifting its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. rice, tree nuts, distilled spirits, and a few other agricultural items. The zeroing out of these added duties will contribute to increased U.S. agricultural exports and help narrow the agricultural trade deficit.     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 September 23, 2025. _______     China: Wine Market Update 2025 In 2024, China imported approximately $1.6 billion of wine and related products with Australia and France as the leading suppliers. U.S. exports of wine and related products to China totaled $96 million in 2024. Tier-one cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu are home to a growing base of wine enthusiasts, with regional consumption patterns underscoring the importance of tailored strategies to address diverse preferences. Surveys by trade show organizers indicate rising interest in white and sparkling wines, presenting growth opportunities for U.S. exporters. Key drivers for market expansion include attracting new consumers, fostering wine-drinking occasions, and leveraging localized digital storytelling to connect with audiences. Retail giants like Sam's Club and Costco China are leading the trend of self-sourcing wine selections, contributing to substantial growth in wine sales.   Egypt: Grain and Feed Update FAS/Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s wheat imports in marketing year 2025/26 at 12.7 MMT, up from the previous marketing year due to higher consumption driven by population growth. Egypt’s wheat production in MY 2025/26 is also forecasted up from the previous marketing year. Egypt’s rice production has expanded significantly in response to lower costs of production and higher profitability, while corn production has fallen, due to less area planted. Consequently, corn imports are forecast higher to offset the production shortfall, with U.S. corn shipments returning to the Egyptian market on price competitiveness and high quality.   Zambia: Exporter Guide With the development of the Lobito Corridor, Zambia, one of the developing economies in Southern Africa, might eventually claim a sophisticated distribution network backed by a small commercial sector. Although the majority of its basic food needs are satisfied by its self-sustaining agricultural sector, the nation offers significant potential for U.S. exports, especially consumer goods and ingredients for its food processing industry. The demand for specialty U.S. food and beverage exports is being driven by changes in consumers' health-consciousness and receptivity to innovative products. To take advantage of Zambia's rising demand for high-quality imports, U.S. exporters must overcome obstacles like local competition, preferential trade agreements that benefit foreign competitors, and an unfavorable exchange rate.     For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250