USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on March 19, 2026. _______     China: Grain and Feed Annual China's MY2026/27 total feed and residual use of major grains is forecast to increase slightly to 290.7 MMT, up from 289.5 MMT in MY2025/26. Corn production is forecast to rise to 305 MMT, with consumption reaching 323 MMT and ending stocks falling to 168 MMT. Corn imports are expected to remain flat at 8 MMT. Sorghum feed use is forecast to increase modestly to 8.0 MMT, while barley feed use holds steady at 8.7 MMT. Wheat and rice feed use are both expected to remain stable.   China: Oilseeds and Products Annual Soybean imports for marketing year (MY) 26/27 are forecast to reach 108 million metric tons (MMT), up 2 MMT from Post’s projection for MY 25/26, reflecting moderate growth in demand for soybean meal by China’s feed industry. Domestic edible oil demand is weakening as the Chinese population begins to fall and dietary patterns shift. The reduction of Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola seed and meal is expected to lead to a resumption of imports which could reduce demand for competing oilseed and meal imports. Chinese crop support payments and continued investment in improved seeds and equipment are expected to maintain or slightly increase the production of most domestically produced oilseeds.   Colombia: Grain and Feed Annual In MY 2026/2027, Colombia’s corn and rice production are expected to decline primarily due to low farmgate prices that have discouraged expansion of planted area, while imports are projected to increase supported by modest economic growth and competitive international prices. The United States is expected to remain the main supplier of corn and rice, benefiting from preferential access under the U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, while tariffs on Mercosur corn and ongoing trade frictions with Ecuador continue to affect regional competition. In the wheat market, Colombia remains almost entirely dependent on imports; Canada continues to be the leading supplier, although U.S. wheat is gaining market share due to competitive pricing and logistical advantages.   Japan: Japan Invites Public Comments on the Revision of the Risk Assessment Guideline of Genetically Engineered Foods - Seed Plants On March 11, 2026, the Food Safety Commission (FSC) of the Government of Japan opened a public comment period on the proposed revision of the risk assessment guideline for genetically engineered (GE) foods (seed plants). The public comment period will close on April 9, 2026.   Kazakhstan: Russian Veterinary Authorities Reportedly Respond to Cattle Disease Outbreak in Siberia Recent media and regional reports indicate that Russian veterinary authorities are responding to outbreaks of pasteurellosis and rabies among cattle in Siberia’s Novosibirsk region, implementing widespread culling, quarantine, and movement controls. Local sources and trade contacts suggest the scale of these measures may indicate an unconfirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with authorities reportedly halting livestock and related exports from affected regions. The response has led to significant protests from farmers over compensation and raised concerns about the adequacy of current vaccines and the potential impact on Russia’s cattle trade.   Nigeria: Sugar Annual Nigeria’s sugarcane production remains unchanged, with marketing year (MY) 2025/26 forecasted at 3.5 million metric tons (MMT) due to high planting costs, limited private investment, and lower government support. With domestic sugar production meeting less than five percent of consumption, imports are projected to rise to 2 MMT. Consumption is expected to increase, driven by improved economic stability and growth in the food and beverage sectors. Despite new government initiatives, challenges such as infrastructure deficits and limited support for small-scale farmers continue to hinder progress toward increasing domestic cane production.   Syria: Evolving Sanctions Landscape and Banking Hurdles in Syria and What It Means For US Agricultural Trade Effective July 1, 2025, the United States officially terminated the Syria Sanctions Program. As a result, the transfer, export, or sale of most basic civilian-use U.S.-origin goods to or within Syria is permitted without a license. In addition, the export of most food to Syria continues to be permitted without a license, as was the case before the lifting of sanctions. Targeted sanctions remain on individuals and entities linked to former President Bashar al-Assad and his network, human rights violators, captagon traffickers, and other destabilizing actors. U.S. exporters should consult the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s online (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (“SDN List”) and otherwise conduct due diligence related to all applicable sanctions before pursuing business with Syrian entities.   Ukraine: Livestock and Products Semi-annual Post expects a continued decline in livestock numbers in 2026 due to general inefficiencies in Ukraine’s beef sector. A significant decrease in milk prices in the second half of 2025 resulted in the least efficient dairy farms and households exiting the market. Post expects swine inventory and pork production to grow in 2026. African swine fever will remain a significant risk factor. Both the cattle and swine industries will continue to suffer from war-related difficulties.     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