The following GAIN reports were released on December 11, 2025. _______
Hungary: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualMaintaining Hungary’s GE-free status remains a government priority. Although the country’s scientific and breeding institutions were supportive of genome editing, the European Commission’s (EC) legislative proposal on new genomic techniques (NGTs) was caught in political crossfire. At the same time, in the case of an enabling legislative environment in the EU, the country would be open to adopting innovative, non-transgenic biotechnologies but only with strong guarantees.
Spain: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualThis report describes the agricultural biotechnology sector in Spain, covering production and trade, policy, and marketing aspects. It includes topics related to plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology. Spain is the EU’s largest grower of biotech corn and a major consumer of biotech feed ingredients.
Turkey: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualTürkiye’s Biosafety Law continues to threaten imports and imposes a heavy financial burden on the country’s agri-food sector. The number of approved of genetically engineered (GE) events remains arbitrarily fixed at 36 and only includes traits in corn and soy for feed use. There are no approvals for food use due to public sensitivities about the technology. These same sensitivities make it difficult for Türkiye to make meaningful revisions to the Biosafety Law. There are also 13 enzymes produced from GE Aspergillus oryzae that are currently approved for feed and industrial use, and one microbial mass (strengthened and inactivated GE Aspergillus oryzae) approved for feed use. Since our last report, MinAF published its testing frequencies for imported GE products.
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 December 10, 2025. _______
Bulgaria: Hotel Restaurant and InstitutionalBulgaria’s foodservice industry grew steadily in 2024, supported by curbing inflation, higher wages, and stronger consumer confidence. Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area and preparations to adopt the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2026, boosted tourism, trade, and investment activity. Despite ongoing economic challenges, including elevated energy and labor costs, and regional geopolitical instability, the sector remained resilient and adaptive. Record tourism levels increased demand for high-quality imported food and beverages. Bulgaria’s stable tax system, strategic location, and improving infrastructure continue to create opportunities for U.S. exporters, with future growth driven by innovation, modernization, and evolving consumer preferences for value and healthier choices.
Bulgaria: Retail FoodsBulgaria’s grocery retail sector has endured amid recent economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, supply chain disturbances, and the Russia-Ukraine War. In 2024, grocery retail sales grew by 2.5 percent year-on-year, reaching Bulgarian Lev (BGN) 15.2 billion ($8.1 billion), supported by still-elevated prices and stable consumer demand. Modern retail strengthened its position, accounting for two-thirds of total grocery sales, while traditional outlets continued to decline. Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area in 2025 and planned adoption of the euro in 2026, should improve trade flows, reduce transaction costs, and enhance investor confidence. Exports of U.S. consumer-oriented products to Bulgaria grew by 26 percent. Good prospects for U.S. exports exist based on consumer preferences for high-quality, healthy, and innovative foods - particularly nuts, pulses, beef, wine, and specialty products - although price sensitivity and competition with European Union (EU) suppliers are challenges.
Burma: Exporter Guide AnnualThis report provides an overview of Burma’s food service, retail, and processing industries and highlights opportunities for U.S. food and beverage products. Although a policy-level push for greater indigenous manufacturing of food and feed products and regulatory challenges, such as a rigid import licensing regime, constrain imports, opportunity for imported food and feed products and ingredients in Burma remains. Burma’s urbanization and expanding digital platforms are driving new consumption patterns for market niches.
Chile: Avocado AnnualIn marketing year (MY) 2024/25, favorable climatic conditions and abundant rainfall boosted avocado production to 240,000 metric tons (MT), a 60 percent increase from MY 2023/24. Post expects MY 2025/26 production to remain unchanged at 240,000 MT. The planted area remains stable at 33,025 hectares, with the Valparaíso region accounting for 61.9 percent of total production. In MY 2024/25, exports surged to 134,255 MT, a 50.3 percent increase, driven by strong demand from markets such as Argentina, the Netherlands, and Spain, while imports declined by 27.6 percent due to higher domestic supply. Chileans maintain high per capita avocado consumption, incorporating avocados into daily meals and foodservice offerings like sandwiches and sushi, with prices remaining competitive due to increased supply.
Czechia: Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional AnnualIn comparison to 2023, Czech food service sales increased 5 percent in 2024 to CZK 70.7 billion (USD 3.5 billion). Competition in the food service sector intensified in 2024, especially with key online retailers increasing their focus on ready-to-eat meal delivery services. As economic conditions began to improve in 2024, Czechs became more inclined to dine out, boosting demand for full-service restaurants. Pilsen Urquell is the leading player in 2024, with a foodservice value share of 3 percent. Prague continues to attract international tourism, which annually generates significant revenue. The iconic Hotel InterContinental has reopened as the five-star Fairmont Golden Prague following a total (USD 190 million) five-year renovation. The Czech market offers good opportunities for U.S. exporters of consumer-oriented food products, particularly nuts, seafood products, and distilled spirits.
Ethiopia: FAIRS Country Report AnnualThis report presents regulatory requirements and standards that must be fulfilled to export food and agricultural products to Ethiopia. The report contains pertinent information on applicable laws, regulations, directives, guidelines, procedures, and key regulatory contact details. It is recommended that this report be read with the FAIRS Export Certificate Report for a comprehensive understanding of the import regulatory requirements and standards.
Ethiopia: FAIRS Export Certificate Report AnnualThis report summarizes the list of major export certificates, documentation, and other regulatory requirements to export food and agricultural products to Ethiopia. The report is organized using information obtained from publicly available sources as well as from industry contacts. Post strongly suggests this report be read with the FAIRS Country Report for an in-depth insight on Ethiopia’s import requirements, regulations, and standards.
European Union: Sugar Semi-annualEU-27 sugar production in MY 2025/2026 is forecast to decline due to a reduction in sugar beet planting area, especially in Germany, France, and Poland, although yields are expected to be relatively good thanks to favorable growing conditions elsewhere. As a result, exports are forecast to fall and imports to rise, while consumption is expected to remain broadly stable, with long-term structural declines persisting due to demographic shifts, growing health awareness, and voluntary industry reformulation efforts. Ongoing Free Trade Agreement discussions and negotiations, where sugar access remains highly sensitive, continue to raise concerns among sector stakeholders about potential unfair competition.
France: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualFrance’s agricultural biotechnology sector operates under strict regulations and faces significant public opposition, limiting its development despite growing discussions about agricultural innovation and food security driven by climate change and global challenges. While the country is a leader in medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology remains underfunded, tightly controlled, and widely unpopular. The government permits the import of genetically engineered (GE) products for animal feed but prohibits their cultivation and restricts research. However, interest in New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) is increasing, reflecting broader trends across the European Union as stakeholders explore solutions to address climate-related and food security concerns.
Japan: Biofuels AnnualIn 2024 and 2025, Japan has met the government's mandated annual target of 824 million liters of bioethanol, with oil refineries continuing to supply bioethanol in the form of ETBE (ethyl tert-butyl ether). In 2025, Japan's average ethanol blend rate has remained at 1.9 percent. Japan is planning to introduce nationwide E10 direct blending by fiscal year (FY) 2030, while continuing with existing ETBE initiatives. Japanese oil refineries are preparing to conduct E10 regional test-runs in Okinawa Prefecture starting in FY 2028. In April 2025 and located in Sakai, Osaka, Japan’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant began production with used cooking oil as the feedstock. However, other planned SAF projects are experiencing delays. Relatedly, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s intention to abolish the 25.1 yen per liter provisional gasoline tax by the end of 2025 could slow the adoption of ethanol direct blending in the short term.
Mexico: Dairy and Products AnnualMexico's dairy industry in 2026 is expected to experience broad growth due to forecasted increases in milk production and consumption, driven by increased modernization and investment. Post forecast milk production to reach 14.1 million metric tons (MMT), a 2 percent increase. The country's cheese sector is a driver in this growth, with production, consumption, and imports all forecast to rise. Butter production is forecast to see a marginal lift and imports are forecast to increase substantially to meet rising demand from the industrial and tourism sectors. The forecasts also show a greater reliance on imported raw materials like Skimmed Milk Powder.
Taiwan: ASF Triggers Ban of Food Waste in Hog FeedAn isolated ASF outbreak in October 2025 has prompted Taiwan to announce a phased ban on food waste in pig feed, with a transition period in 2026 and a total ban by 2027. The ban is expected to moderately increase Taiwan’s demand for imported corn and soybeans, though the impact will be dependent on the speed of local implementation, exceptions for business-generated food waste, and changes in the hog sector. The government is supporting the transition with subsidies and infrastructure investment, but concerns remain about added pressure on waste management systems.
Turkey: Cotton and Products UpdateTurkey's cotton production for MY 2025/26 is forecast to decline, with estimates adjusted downward to 665,000 metric tons (MT) (3.05 million bales) due to economic and climate-related factors. Subsidies for cotton production remain insufficient to keep production from declining, with farmers and industry leaders urging the government to increase support to prevent further declines and ensure the survival of the domestic textile/garment industry. Cotton consumption is also expected to decrease to 1.4 million MT (MMT) (6.43 million bales). Cotton imports in MY 2025/26 are forecast to slightly decrease to 900,000 MT (4.13 million bales), and cotton exports are expected to be 250,000 MT (1.15 million bales). Some companies from the Turkish textile and apparel industries are shutting down, partially closing, or going bankrupt because of low demand for finished garments by local and international brands, while some other producers are moving investments to lower-cost production countries, like Egypt.
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 December 9, 2025. _______
Australia: Dairy and Products AnnualMilk production in Australia is forecast to rise by 0.6 percent in 2026 to 8.55 million metric tons (MMT), following an estimated 1.9 percent decline in 2025 to 8.50 MMT. Production in 2025 would be higher were it not for low irrigation water availability in one of Australia’s key dairy regions. Fresh milk consumption is expected to continue its downward trend, while factory milk use is forecast to edge higher, with much of the additional supply directed toward cheese production. Output of butter, skim milk powder (SMP), and whole milk powder (WMP) is expected to remain steady. Trade in butter and SMP is also forecast to remain stable, while WMP imports are expected to increase and exports decline in 2026.
Canada: Grain and Feed UpdateProduction of spring wheat, durum, and winter wheat in marketing year (MY) 2025/2026 is estimated to have increased 1.9 percent year-over-year to 36.6 MMT. Total exports of wheat, including durum, wheat products, and flour, increased 15 percent over the previous year, to 29.3 MMT. Nearly 44 percent of the volume increase (i.e. 44 percent of the difference between MY 2024/25 wheat exports and MY 2023/24 wheat exports) is attributed to increased durum exports to Italy, Algeria, and Morocco.
China: China Issues Third Round of Genetically Engineered Corn Seed Production and Operational LicensesOn November 9, 2025, China announced the issuance of 42 seed production and operational licenses, including 30 companies receiving permission to produce genetically engineered (GE) seed. This report provides an unofficial translation of the announcement and the list of GE corn, cotton, and soybean seed production and operational licenses.
China: Inside Pre-Prepared Food Surge in China and What It Means for American ExportersChina’s pre-prepared food industry has evolved from a fast-food oriented, niche supply chain, into a logistical powerhouse that connects agriculture, processing, and retail. China’s centrally located Shandong and Henan provinces have emerged as the most dynamic areas for food processing, with strong agricultural bases, modern industrial parks, and supportive government policies. The recent “Xibei Incident” has shaken consumer confidence in restaurant use of pre-prepared foods, accelerating a structural shift including focus on direct-to-consumer channels. As dining habits and perceptions change, opportunities are growing for high-quality imported ingredients, particularly meats and seafood, to expand their presence in China’s pre-prepared food sector.
China: Zhuhai Market Insights Report - 2025Zhuhai is a coastal city in Guangdong Province and borders Macau. Although its population is relatively small, Zhuhai stands out for its strong focus on high-value industries such as information technology, smart manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, and new energy. Zhuhai has the second highest per capita GDP in Guangdong province, lower than Shenzhen yet higher than Guangzhou. Benefiting from its proximity to Macau and Hong Kong, Zhuhai attracts significant visitors and foreign direct investment. These trends fuel demand for premium agricultural products.
European Union: Dairy and Products AnnualThe 2026 European Union (EU) milk production is forecast to decline slightly to 149 million metric tons (MMT), from an estimated 149.7 MMT in 2025, due to declining cow numbers, environmental regulations, and disease outbreaks. As lower milk production will only be partially offset by lower fluid milk consumption, factory use consumption is forecast to slightly decrease in 2026. As a result, dairy processors will need to determine for which products they will use the available milk. Cheese production is forecasted to remain the primary output goal of the EU dairy processing industry, supported by solid domestic consumption and export demand. The 2026 EU27 cheese production is forecast to reach 10.8 MMT, up by 0.2 percent from 2025. However, this increase comes at the expense of the production of butter, non-fat dry milk, and whole milk powder.
Italy: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualThis report outlines production, trade, research, policy, and marketing issues of genetically engineered (GE) plants, animal products, and microbial biotechnology in Italy. Despite the country's general opposition to GE food products, the Italian government and leading Italian agri-food industries and associations have shown support for innovative biotechnologies, such as genome editing. In July 2024, the Italian government extended authorization to conduct innovative biotechnologies field trials for experimental and scientific purposes until December 31, 2025.
Japan: Joint Marketing Program with Aoyama Gakuin UniversityFrom April to August 2025, ATO Osaka conducted its second collaboration with Aoyama Gakuin University. The program, initially started in 2024, provides students with knowledge of U.S. agricultural products and encourages strategic marketing discussions. This year, in collaboration with Almond Breeze, students developed marketing strategies for plant-based beverages. The program's three goals are to: create innovative marketing ideas, gain insights into young consumer preferences, and equip students with accurate knowledge of U.S. products. Since the program’s inception, over 100 students have attended collaboration lectures, building a strong “win-win-win” relationship among the ATO, U.S. cooperators, and the university. The program is expected to continue in future years.
Japan: Project Gourmet with Murakawa Gakuen Cooking SchoolATO Osaka and the Murakawa Gakuen Culinary School have collaborated on “Project Gourmet” since 2022, incorporating lectures and hands-on cooking with U.S. ingredients into the regular curriculum. With the support of several U.S. cooperators, over 200 future chefs have learned about and how to cook with American ingredients. Students’ dishes are entered into an in-school competition judged in part by the ATO, and the winning dish may later be offered to the public at department stores or restaurants. This year’s program focused on California walnuts and prunes, with the prune initiative showcased prominently at EXPO 2025.
Mexico: Mexico's 2026 Agricultural Budget Prioritizes Social Assistance and Smallholder FarmersMexico’s 2026 budget for the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development is USD 4.1 billion, a 2 percent decrease in real terms compared to the previous year. Over 70 percent of the budget is allocated to social assistance programs that provide in-kind benefits to small-scale producers, including free fertilizers, cash support, and food assistance for low-income families.
Netherlands: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualThis report assesses the agricultural biotechnology sector in the Netherlands, and covers related production, trade, and policies. It includes topics related to genetic engineering and innovative plant, animal, and microbial biotechnologies. On July 5, 2023, the European Commission (EC) adopted a new proposal to regulate plants obtained by certain “new genomic techniques (NGTs)” and their use for food and feed. Over the past eight years, the Dutch Government position towards the application of “NGTs” has been roughly in line with the content of the current EC proposal. The Dutch Government support for the application of “NGTs” is based on the use of these technologies as an important propagation tool for the Dutch plant breeding sector and a vital technology for sustainable agricultural production systems and the bioeconomy.
Poland: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualPoland opposes the use of genetic engineering in agriculture. Although the current regulatory framework technically allows genetically engineered (GE) seeds to enter commerce, the law stipulates they cannot be planted. While Poland’s 2006 Feed Act includes provisions banning livestock feed containing GE ingredients, they have never been enforced and have been postponed several times. Although the last 2-year postponement of the provisions which ban GE feed ingredients, including U.S. soybean meal, was scheduled to terminate on January 1, 2025, the Government of Poland prolonged it for another 5 years until January 1, 2030. The Polish meat industry is putting pressure on the government to extend suspension of the import ban even longer.
Romania: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies AnnualRomania, a member of the European Union (EU), observes the EU’s standards and regulations regarding biotechnology. Most farmers view biotechnology as an instrument in managing the agronomic risks and sustaining their competitiveness. However, in its interactions with EU institutions, Romania has a nuanced position regarding the proposed legislation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques. Romania allows biotech field trials, but trials are limited to genetically engineered (GE) plum trees. This report provides updated information on the status of biotechnology in Romania and should be read in conjunction with the EU-27 Agricultural Biotechnology Annual report.
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 December 8, 2025.
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Argentina: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
The Government of Argentina (GOA) approved thirteen new genetically engineered (GE) events in late 2024 and 2025 (one cotton, three soybeans, and nine corn). Processing times seem to have improved, with a record number of commercial approvals for GM plants and an increased number of assessments involving microorganisms.
Brazil: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
Brazil is the second-largest producer of biotech crops in the world, with 134 events approved for plants. For the 2024/2025 crop season, FAS Brasilia forecasts 69.6 million hectares planted with GE traits. Adoption rates for soybeans and cotton reached 99 percent and for corn, 96 percent. Biotechnology has played a transformative role in Brazilian agriculture, driving significant gains in productivity and innovation. Continued use of biotechnology seeds is a major contributor to yield growth in Brazil since its adoption. In addition to GE plants, this report provides updates on several aspects of these technologies.
Chile: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
In 2025, Chilean researchers began a study on genetic variants associated with disease resistance in coho salmon, initiating the first ever study using biotechnology on animals in Chile. Also in 2025, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of the Ministry of Agriculture authorized the experimental production of a high-in fiber wheat variety developed using CRISPR technology; and the Chilean National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) began test planting of a new rice variety using 50% less water than traditional methods. Commercially, Chile continues allowing only the reproduction and reexport of GE seeds under strict control of the SAG.
Colombia: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
Colombia's agricultural sector incorporates biotechnology-derived products, including the recent commercial release of edited berries. The country maintains a rigorous, science-based regulatory framework supportive of genetically engineered (GE) commodities. However, anti-biotechnology activism in Congress continues to create challenges, with proposals for GE-free territories and measures to further protect native seeds, resulting in regulatory uncertainty and potential impacts on agricultural trade. In 2024, the total area planted with GE crops decreased by 10 percent, mirroring a broader decline in overall corn and cotton cultivation.
Israel: Israel Seeks Public Comments on Implementation of Changes to EU Regulations Related to Food Contaminants--December 15 2025
On December 01, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Health published a request for public comments on proposed amendments to European Union Regulations 915/2023, 1333/2008, 432/2012, 396/2005. The publication, which has not yet been notified to the World Trade Organization, is open for public comment until December 15, 2025, 23:59 (Israel Standard Time).
Jamaica: Counting the Cost- Impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Agricultural Sector in Jamaica
Jamaica’s agricultural sector sustained substantial damage due to Hurricane Melissa, which touched down on October 28, 2025. The category five hurricane destroyed most of Jamaica’s agricultural productive areas, resulting in estimated losses and damages of approximately $180 million. As the Government of Jamaica begins its recovery efforts, the immediate and medium-term risks of food shortages remain a serious concern.
Jamaica: US Beef and Lamb Make the Cut in Montego Bay
In September 2025, FAS Jamaica reignited its marketing chops by teaming up with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to host its first promotional activity in more than four years, showcasing the quality, affordability, and flavor of under-utilized U.S. beef cuts and ground lamb. In 2024, U.S. beef and lamb exports to Jamaica accounted for $18 million. While Jamaica’s import demand for beef has favored premium cuts, such as ribeyes and tenderloins, the promotional event spotlighted more value-friendly, lesser-known beef cuts to broaden market interest.
Japan: Dairy and Products Annual
Japan’s dairy herd and raw milk production are expected to remain stable in 2026. Although higher prices are reducing household milk consumption, tourism is supporting food service demand. Surplus milk is boosting butter production and stocks, while butter imports and consumption remain steady. Cheese production will be flat, with continued reliance on imports. Non-fat dried milk (NFDM) output remains high, but domestic demand for food products is softening. However, imports for animal feed are rising because they are more competitively priced than domestic NFDM for feed. The sector faces stable supply, shifting demand, and ongoing inflationary pressure.
Malaysia: Oilseeds and Products Update
Malaysia’s palm oil production is forecast at 19.5 million metric tons (MT) in MY2025/26, with export estimates rising to 16.2 million MT as demand in African markets grows and Indonesia’s B40 mandate limits regional supply. Structural challenges persist, with replanting at only 1.8 percent versus the 4 percent target, though mechanization and research and development are improving yields. For MY2025/26, soybean imports are projected at 715 thousand MT, while soybean meal consumption climbs to 1.69 million MT, driven by poultry feed as African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to weaken swine demand. Soybean oil output estimate in MY2025/26 remains modest at 89 thousand MT with flat consumption in a competitive oilseeds market dominated by palm oil.
Pakistan: Oilseeds and Products Update
In November 2025, the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) authorized imports of genetically engineered (GE) canola for food, feed, and processing. GE soybean import licenses have also been renewed by Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for another year. Supported by this recent development, soybean imports are expected to further rebound to 2.4 million tons during 2025/26.
Peru: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
Peru continues its extended biotechnology moratorium on cultivating genetically engineered (GE) crops based on ongoing environmental concerns until December 2035. This "precautionary" approach restricts Peru’s ability to innovate and develop tailored solutions for plant, animal and microbial research with genome editing. Research institutions and the Government of Peru, however, are seeking a pathway to reconsider gene edited technologies.
United Kingdom: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual
The first half of 2025 saw the United Kingdom (UK) progressed on two main items related to biotechnology, it (1) adopted secondary legislation needed to implement the Precision Breeding Act, (2) streamlined the market authorization process for Genetically Engineered (GE) regulated products. On the other hand, the UK made no new GE authorizations since the 2024 Biotech Annual report. Consequently, Great Britain (GB) has fallen further behind the European Union (EU) in its GE authorizations, with the backlog now standing at 28 GE events, despite the removal of the requirement for ten-yearly renewals in GB in March 2025. Additionally, the prospect of the UK entering a new Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) deal with the EU appears to have placed any other changes by the UK in biotechnology on hold.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
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