USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on May 14, 2026. Egypt: Egyptian Wheat Procurement Price Increase for 2026 Season On April 7, 2026, the Egyptian Minister of Supply and Internal Trade issued Ministerial Decision No. 62, establishing updated procurement prices for domestically produced wheat during the current 2026 season. These prices exceed those outlined in the earlier Ministerial Decision No. 58 and aim to bolster strategic reserves and strengthen food security amid regional instability stemming from the Iran conflict.   Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton Vol 6 Issue 4 Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: Virginia is for Oyster and Whiskey Lovers; Hong Kong PolyU Showcases U.S. Ingredients to Future Chefs; ATO and USAPEEC Visit Hong Kong’s Largest Poultry Farm; DFI and Watsons in Reported Merger Talks Amid Retail Price Wars; Hong Kong and Macau Restaurants Look for Strong Golden Week Sales; and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Cracks Down on Illegal, Unlicensed Slaughtering.   Hong Kong: The Shifting Wine Landscape in Hong Kong Following the 2008 elimination of wine duties, Hong Kong rapidly evolved into a leading global wine hub and the ninth largest export market for U.S. wine. Despite economic headwinds, import values rose in 2025 with the average unit price of retained imports surging by 16.9 percent and accelerating in early 2026. However, Hong Kong’s wine market is increasingly polarized. Import volumes declined in 2025 as a result of eroding middle-market spending and consumers are splitting between entry-level value and 'blue-chip' investment labels. For mid-sized U.S. estates, this presents a distinct challenge. To capture market share and compete globally, U.S. vintners must pivot their strategic focus toward brand literacy. Educating consumers on the distinct quality and narrative of U.S. wines is essential for capturing and sustaining market share in Asia’s premium wine hub.   Nigeria: Nigeria Announces 2026 Fiscal and Trade Policy Changes On April 1, Nigeria announced the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments which eliminate, or gradually reduce to zero, nearly all the import adjustment taxes on agricultural imports. Extra duties on U.S. wheat imports, valued at $466 million in 2025, are expected to be reduced from 15 to 0 percent by April 1. Import adjustment taxes will be eliminated by April 1, or gradually reduced over 10 years, on other key U.S. exports including live animals for breeding, animal feed products, ethanol, and rice. In addition, the revised import prohibition list (Annex III) maintains 73 agricultural and related products (by HS code) on the list, while removing 77 products from the previous import prohibition list.   Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Suspends Requirement for the Use of Pallets for Containerized Cargo Shipments The Saudi Ports Authority has issued Circular No. (13) of 2026, which officially postpones the requirement for goods imported via containers to be shipped and stowed using pallets. This mandate, originally scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026, is now suspended until further notice. 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 May 13, 2026. _______ Armenia: Challenges and Opportunities in Armenia's Livestock Sector Armenia’s livestock sector is a major component of the country’s agriculture, accounting for more than 40 percent of agricultural output and supporting approximately 170,000 rural households, but it remains constrained by financial and technical barriers. To address these issues, the Government of Armenia has adopted broad economic and agricultural development strategies. Armenia’s interest in improving livestock productivity and strengthening agricultural trade creates potential opportunities for U.S. exporters of livestock and related products, although U.S. suppliers face strong price competition from Russia and other Eurasian Economic Union countries. Mexico: Coffee Annual Mexico's coffee production in marketing year (MY) 2026/2027 is forecast to increase 1 percent to 4.1 million green bean equivalent (GBE) due to expanded robusta production and improved management practices. Domestic coffee consumption is also projected to rise 1 percent, supported by increases in retail shops offering ready-to-drink coffee and consumer trends in specialty coffees. The United States remains the primary market for Mexican coffee exports. Taiwan: Import and Inspection Procedures for US Beef Tongue Exports to Taiwan Taiwan maintains significant regulatory barriers on imports of U.S. beef tongue, which is classified as a restricted product subject to stringent inspection requirements. Although imports are permitted, a multi-agency approval process for import permits and mandatory box-by-box inspection regime have constrained trade. Importers must coordinate closely with exporters to ensure complete documentation and should anticipate extended clearance timelines due to interagency review and intensive inspection protocols. Ukraine: Sugar Annual Post forecasts marketing year (MY) 2026/27 sugar production at 1.4 MMT, a 21 percent decrease from Post’s previous MY estimate. This would be the third consecutive year of falling production volumes. Sugar producers are reducing sugar beet production areas to avoid further accumulation of ending stocks due to sluggish sales to both international and domestic markets. Recently introduced European Union import quotas for sugar capped one of the major export markets, forcing local sugar producers to seek alternatives. 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