USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Vietnam to Expand Market Access for American Farmers Washington, D.C., March 23, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair, reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers and producers. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg is leading a delegation representing a cross-section of American agriculture that stands to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets. “American farmers, ranchers and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home.” Vietnam has become a top destination for U.S. agricultural products. In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery and forest products exports surged by 45% to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the United States’ eighth-largest market. This mission will build on that momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations under President Trump’s strategy to deliver fair, enforceable trade for American farmers and ranchers. During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business meetings, and engage with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support U.S. producers. The delegation includes:  California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif. California Prune Board – Roseville, Calif. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo. USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va. U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.  U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va. Washington Apple Commission – Wenatchee, Wash. This is USDA’s third TRUMP mission of 2026. Later this year, USDA will return to Vietnam with a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports. For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.  The following GAIN reports were released on March 25, 2026. _______     Chile: Grain and Feed Annual Chile’s grain sector remains dependent on imports as harvested area continues to decline while domestic demand remains stable. In MY 2026/27, wheat production is projected decrease by 1.7 percent to 1.15 million metric tons (MMT), while imports are forecast at 1.30 MMT, down 3.7 percent, reflecting slightly lower total supply needs. Corn production is projected at 525,000 metric tons (MT), down 4.5 percent, while imports are expected to reach 2.6 MMT, down 3.7 percent, continuing to supply the majority of feed demand from the pork and poultry industries. Declining harvested area for both crops, despite modest yield improvements, will continue to constrain domestic production and reinforce Chile’s reliance on imports to meet stable food and feed demand.   China: Draft National Food Safety Standard for Prepared Dishes Notified On February 24, 2026, China notified the WTO of the National Food Safety Standard for Prepared Dishes under reference number G/SPS/N/CHN/1358. This new draft standard stipulates the definitions for prepared dishes, food safety control measures, nutrition and quality requirements, and related physical and chemical indicators. Comments may be submitted to the China’s SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until April 25, 2026. This report provides an unofficial translation of the notified standard.   Dominican Republic: Sugar Annual Sugar production in the Dominican Republic (DR) is forecast to reach 580,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2026/2027 (October–September), supported by stable rainfall conditions during the first half of the marketing year and continued normalization of export operations. Production for MY 2025/2026 is estimated at 550,000 MT, up from 520,000 MT in MY 2024/2025, reflecting steady yield in the eastern production region where most output is concentrated. The continued normalization of export flows following the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decision to lift the Withhold Release Order (WRO) imposed in 2022 on Central Romana has further strengthened sector confidence, and the DR is expected to meet its U.S. raw sugar tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation for fiscal year (FY) 2026.   European Union: Call for Evidence - EU Strategy for Livestock The European Commission (EC) has launched a Call for Evidence for an EU strategy for livestock, scheduled for Q2-2026. This initiative recognizes livestock as an essential component of the EU agricultural sector while addressing complex challenges including but not limited to declining herd numbers, low profitability, environmental concerns, and trade competition. The strategy aims to ensure the EU livestock sector is crisis resilient, globally competitive, and sustainable across all dimensions. Notably, the EC will assess the scope for possible alignment of imported products to EU production standards, including animal welfare requirements following an impact assessment and in compliance with international law. The Call for Evidence seeks input from stakeholders across the livestock value chain, Member States, and civil society on opportunities and solutions to existing challenges.   Germany: Dried Fruit and Nuts Product Brief With 83.5 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers, Germany is the largest market for dried fruits and nuts in Europe and a very important destination for U.S. almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cranberries, prunes, and other products. In recent years, pistachios are the product with the largest growth among U.S. exports in this category. This report provides marketing, trade, and regulatory information for U.S. exporters.   Germany: RED III Implementation Hot Topic at Fuels of the Future 2026 The upcoming national implementation of the renewable energy directive RED III, fraud prevention, ensuring a stable investment climate, and market conditions for biofuels and their feedstocks, were some of the core topics discussed at the 23rd international “Fuels of the Future” congress. In contrast to previous editions, the contribution of renewable fuels to energy security played a much larger role. This report highlights stakeholder comments expressed at the congress.   South Africa: Grain and Feed Annual South Africa’s grain sector is expected to remain stable and resilient in MY 2026/27 amidst tight margin pressures. Corn area is forecast to hold steady, supported by continued gains in seed genetics and precision agriculture that underpin yield improvements. Ample carry-over stocks from consecutive bumper corn harvests position South Africa to meet both domestic and regional demand. Wheat production is projected to remain stable; however, further expansion is constrained by rising input costs and strong competition from imports. South Africa’s role as a regional trade hub continues to strengthen, particularly for rice re-exports, leveraging robust logistics networks and advanced regional retail food infrastructure. Modest growth in grain consumption is anticipated, primarily driven mainly by population growth and deeper regional integration, but will remain limited by subdued economic conditions and persistently high unemployment.   South Africa: South Africa proposes amendments to anti-dumping regulations On March 13, 2026, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition published a notice in the government gazette inviting the public to comment on proposed amendments to the anti-dumping regulations. Interested people are invited to submit written comments on the proposed amendments by April 10, 2026. Since 2000, South Africa has imposed an anti-dumping duty of R9.40 (US$0.56) per kilogram on bone-in chicken meat imports from the United States, and it has been renewed every five years after sunset reviews by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).   Ukraine: Retail Foods After experiencing a significant shock due to the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine's retail industry made a strong recovery. By 2025, most indicators, including food imports, returned to pre-war levels. Notably, imports of U.S. fish and seafood, nuts, food ingredients, whiskey, wine, snacks, and pet food have been increasing. Average disposable incomes have also risen to pre-war levels; however, certain consumer groups, particularly internally displaced people, continue to face challenges. Geographic proximity, a free trade agreement, and the EU accession agenda have provided EU competitors with a trade advantage. The import situation for food and agricultural products will remain dynamic, facing logistics challenges until the war concludes.   Ukraine: Ukraine and the US Update Pet Food Protocol On February 27, 2026, Ukraine’s State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service negotiated important changes to the Veterinary Certificate for Pet Food Exported into Ukraine from the United States of America. The earlier version of the certificate was negotiated in 2018 and included excessive testing requirements, resulting in a nearly 75 percent drop in export volume from 2019 to 2025. A more liberal trade regime will return U.S. products to the market and provide a level playing field with other suppliers. The following GAIN reports were released on March 27, 2026. _______  The following GAIN reports were released on March 20, 2026. _______ Mexico: Poultry and Products Semi-annual Chicken meat remains Mexico’s primary animal protein, with 2026 production forecast to rise 2 percent to 4.2 million metric tons (MMT). This growth is fueled by sustained private sector investment, vertically integrated operations, and enhanced technology and biosecurity measures, aimed at increasing domestic self-sufficiency. Despite this expansion, production does not satisfy rising consumption, which is expected to grow 3 percent to 5.3 MMT. This demand is largely driven by the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) sector. Imports are projected to rise 8 percent to 1.1 MMT, supported by continued duty-free access for Brazilian products.   India: Food Processing Ingredients Annual India's food processing sector presents strong opportunities for U.S. exporters, driven by rapid growth from $355 billion in 2024 to an expected $535 billion by fiscal year 2026, and rising demand for packaged and value-added foods. Expanding urban consumption, modern retail, and e-commerce are increasing the need for high-quality, specialized, and functional ingredients, particularly for health, convenience, and premium products. Supported by government incentives and supply chain modernization, the sector—accounting for approximately 32 percent of the food market—offers a favorable environment for U.S. suppliers of processed ingredients and consumer-oriented food products.