USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on April 23, 2026. _______     China: Cotton and Products Annual Post projects MY 26/27 cotton production at 7.2 MMT, down 4.5 percent on an expected reduction in Xinjiang’s planted area as Beijing modifies its subsidy policy to reduce cotton planting on marginal land. Cotton imports for MY 26/27 are projected at 1.5 MMT, up slightly from the low levels estimated for MY 25/26. U.S. cotton remains subject to a 10 percent tariff affecting all U.S. products.   China: Harbin City Report Harbin, the capital of northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province, is well known as China’s “ice city;” home to the world-renowned ice and snow sculpture park. It serves as a political, economic, and cultural hub with a unique blend of Chinese and Russian influences, featuring historic architecture, diverse cuisine, and a population of nearly 10 million. The city’s tourism boom in recent years has significantly boosted the demand for imported food. Strong potential for American agricultural products includes beef, seafood, dairy, wine, craft beer, frozen potato products, condiments, as well as ingredients for craft beer brewing, especially those destined for food processing as Harbin is home to China’s largest red meat processor, largest baby formula manufacturer, and oldest brewery.   South Africa: Sugar Annual FAS Pretoria forecasts that South African sugar production will increase by two percent in Marketing Year (MY) 2026/27 compared to the previous MY, driven by increased cane deliveries. Most sugar mills opened in March and are expected to crush cane through December 2026. In MY 2025/26, sugar imports surged as world sugar prices declined, prompting the government to increase the import tariff on February 13, 2026. As a result, FAS Pretoria expects imports to decline by 24 percent in MY 2026/27. Exports are forecast to drop by 17 percent as the industry prioritizes supplying the domestic market. The following GAIN reports were released on April 28, 2026. _______ Australia: Grain and Feed Annual The majority of Australia’s winter cropping area is well placed heading into marketing year (MY) 2026/27. Central and southern New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia—accounting for around 90 percent of winter crop production—are entering the planting period with favorable seasonal conditions. Despite rising input costs associated with the Middle East situation, seasonal conditions remain the primary driver of planting decisions and yields. However, forecasts of below-average rainfall in the coming months, combined with the increasing likelihood of an El Niño developing later in 2026, are weighing on production prospects, with wheat and barley production and exports forecast to decline. Sorghum production and exports are also projected to decrease, reflecting the potential onset of El Niño conditions. Rice production and exports are forecast to fall to very low levels in MY 2026/27 due to a further reduction in irrigation water availability, following sharp declines in MY 2025/26. Canada: Grain and Feed Annual Production of wheat, corn, barley, and oats is anticipated to decrease six percent from the previous year, falling to 64.07 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2026/27 on an assumption that total area planted will remain the same at 16.2 million hectares but yields will fall in line with their respective three-year averages. Corn imports in MY 2025/26 are anticipated to increase to 1.9 MMT, up from 1.68 MMT the previous year, primarily due to drought conditions in Ontario and Quebec that impacted production. Soil moisture conditions in the prairie provinces have improved in March 2025 compared to the same time last year, boosting confidence that the Prairies will avoid a drought year.   Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan Announces Second Stage of 2026 Meat and Poultry Tariff Rate Quotas On April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the second stage of 2026 meat and poultry quotas by HS code for importers. The second stage approved the distribution of 8,505 metric tons (MT) of beef and 94,500 MT of poultry. The 2026 TRQ volumes and rates remain unchanged from those announced in 2025.  The following GAIN reports were released on April 27, 2026. _______ Belgium: European Commission Authorizes Four GE Crops for Import On March 10, 2026, the European Commission approved four genetically engineered crops (2 cotton, 1 maize and 1 soybean) for food and animal feed. The four authorizations were published in the European Union’s Official Journal on March 12, 2026, and remain valid for 10 years.   China: China Releases List of Key Invasive Species for Port Control On April 14, 2026, six Chinese government agencies including the General Administration of Customs of China, jointly released the “List of Key Alien Species for Port Control”, which will come into effect on May 1, 2026. While 21 species are currently listed, Beijing plans to make adjustments to the list as needed.   European Union: European Union to Phase Out the Use of Soy-based Biofuels On April 10, 2026, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation to update the methodology and data for high indirect land use change (ILUC) risk biofuels. The change in methodology and data will result in a gradual phase-out of the use of soybean as a feedstock for biofuels by 2030. The text now goes to Parliament and the Council for consideration. The United States exported soybeans valued at $2.2 billion to the European Union in 2025.   Haiti: FAIRS Country Report Annual This report is an overview of general legal and technical requirements imposed by the Government of Haiti for food and agricultural imports. The following sections of this report summarize the major requirements for: Food Laws; Labeling; Packaging and Containers; Food Additive Regulations; Pesticides and Other Contaminants; Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registration measures; Other Specific Standards; Trademarks, Brand Names, and Intellectual Property Rights; Import Procedures; and Trade Facility.   Haiti: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This report describes the major export certificates required by the Government of Haiti for imports of food and agricultural products. In 2026, there are no major changes to the certificate requirements. The following sections of this report indicate the certificates required for each category of products, including their purpose, the requesting ministry, and their outlines.   Indonesia: Cotton and Products Annual Indonesian cotton production in 2026/27 is forecast to remain insignificant. Despite minimal trade barriers, cotton imports are expected to decline in both 2025/26 and 2026/27. The primary driver is reduced demand from Indonesia's textile and textile products industry, which continues to struggle with various impediments to growth. These challenges outweigh the favorable trade conditions for cotton imports.   Japan: The 273rd Japan Food Safety Group Outcomes The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan has proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels (MRLs) for four agricultural chemicals (Propamocarb, Quinoclamine, Spirodiclofen, and Spiropidion) for various agricultural commodities. In addition, the CAA has proposed to revise the specifications and standards for the following food additives; Potassium Metabisulfite, Sodium Hydrosulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Dioxide and Zinc Gluconate. By March 3, 2026, interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PlantDivision@usda.gov for plant products, TFAA.FAS.AnimalDivision@usda.gov for animal products, and PPTRD@usda.gov for processed products. The CAA will also notify these proposed revisions to the World Trade Organization.   Japan: The 274th Japan Food Safety Group Outcomes The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan has proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels (MRLs) for six agricultural chemicals (Kasugamycin, Mepronil, Prosulfocarb, Tetraniliprole, Triforine, and Carbaryl) for various agricultural commodities. By May 1, 2026, interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PlantDivision@usda.gov for plant products, TFAA.FAS.AnimalDivision@usda.gov for animal products, and PPTRD@usda.gov for processed products. The CAA will also notify the proposed revisions to the World Trade Organization.   Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan Announces Second Stage of 2026 Meat and Poultry Tariff Rate Quotas On April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the second stage of 2026 meat and poultry quotas by HS code for importers. The second stage approved the distribution of 8,505 metric tons (MT) of beef and 94,500 MT of poultry. The 2026 TRQ volumes and rates remain unchanged from those announced in 2025.   New Zealand: Record Payouts for Shareholders of Major Dairy Processor On April 14, 2026, New Zealand’s largest dairy processor Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited completed a substantial payout to its predominantly farmer shareholders. This payout is following the sale of its global consumer businesses to French dairy multinational, Lactalis. The tax-free capital return comes at a time when farmgate milk prices remain high, well above the breakeven price. The total payment is significant and equivalent to almost 0.9 percent of the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).   Panama: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual Panama recognizes the certificates and standards of the U.S. regulatory and sanitary inspection system, based on the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and Technical Standards affecting Trade in Agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, simplifying requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Panama accepts electronic certificates.   South Korea: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This report includes technical information and certificate requirements for food and agricultural product exports to the Republic of Korea.   Türkiye: Turkiye Opens Three Million Metric Ton Quota for Corn Imports In mid-April 2026, Turkiye announced a tariff rate quota (TRQ) for 3.0 million metric tons of imported corn through the end of July this year. The TRQ aims to stabilize the supply and price of corn in the domestic market.     For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.