USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,ΑΓΡΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΣΗ,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on May 20, 2026. _______     Angola: Inflation and Food Price Dynamics in Angola Angola’s food pricing landscape in 2025 showed signs of macroeconomic stabilization, yet food costs remain structurally high and burdensome for households. Despite inflation easing from late 2024 peaks, prices for staples continue to rise due to import dependence, drought, and elevated transport costs. Southern provinces face the harshest conditions, with major drought and significant price disparities. Looking ahead in 2026, continuing gradual stabilization is expected, although food prices are unlikely to fall without deeper structural reforms.   China: Poultry Marketing Update China’s poultry & products import market contracted significantly in 2025, with total imports falling to $2.1 billion, due to increased domestic supply, HPAI-related import restrictions, and ongoing trade tensions. The United States remained China’s fourth-largest poultry supplier, dominated by chicken paws. A popular food, chicken paws remain a staple in traditional Cantonese cuisines and ready-to-eat snacks, presenting continued opportunities for U.S. exporters.   Colombia: Coffee Annual In Marketing Year (MY) 2026/2027, Colombian coffee production is forecast to increase 7.2 percent to 13.4 million bags green bean equivalent (GBE), mainly due to favorable dry conditions. This increase follows a transition from La Niña to a strong El Niño. Coffee plants can withstand water stress and elevated temperatures, especially when cultivated in soils with good moisture retention that prevent critical water deficit. Decreasing coffee prices are encouraging replanting and renovations. As a result of higher production, Colombian coffee exports are expected to increase to 13.4 million bags in MY 2026/2027. The United States remains the top export destination for Colombian coffee, followed by the European Union and Japan.   Costa Rica: Coffee Annual FAS/San José projects marketing year 2026/2027 coffee production to increase 3.5 percent to 1,200,000 60-kilogram bags as several factors are expected to counter the positive effects of the biennial coffee production cycle. A strong local currency relative to the U.S. dollar resulting in lower income for farmers, higher fertilizer prices, and the expected occurrence of the “El Niño” weather phenomenon will present challenges to next year’s production.   Ethiopia: Coffee Annual Post forecasts Ethiopia's coffee production for MY 2026/27 at 12.10 million bags (60 kilograms each, green bean equivalent), based on improved yields under normal weather conditions. Exports for the same period are forecast at 7.13 million bags, supported by growing demand for Ethiopian Arabica beans. MY 2025/26 constitutes an exceptional period for Ethiopia's coffee export sector, as record-high fresh cherry prices and rising operating costs continue to place significant financial pressure on traders and exporters. China is rapidly emerging as one of the top coffee buyers, driven by its tariff-free market access.   France: French Fish and Seafood Market France is one of Europe’s most advanced fish and seafood markets, with high per capita consumption and strong, diverse demand. While its well-developed distribution network and reliance on imports create opportunities for international suppliers, the market is highly competitive and shaped by strict regulations and evolving consumer preferences around price, convenience, and sustainability. For U.S. exporters, success depends on aligning with local requirements, understanding supply chains, and tailoring products to different channels such as retail and foodservice. This public report is an extract of a more detailed market study available on request to U.S. suppliers only.   Indonesia: Indonesia Clarifies Which Products Must be Certified Halal Including Seafood On May 6, 2026, Indonesia clarified which products must be certified halal via notifying the Halal Product Assurance Agency Decree No. 307/2025 to the World Trade Organization. The decree generally exempts fresh, unprocessed fruit and beverage products from halal certification while requiring that processed products be certified halal. Animal products (e.g., meat and dairy) have required halal certification since 1989, but the decree confirms that processed products must be certified halal and introduces new certification requirements for seafood, dried fruit, and products containing beeswax. While the Decree was enacted on November 20, 2025, it will not be enforced until an unknown date. While FAS continues to seek flexibilities, we recommend that U.S. industry representatives review the attached list of products requiring halal certification to inform planned shipments to Indonesia.   Nicaragua: Coffee Annual FAS/Managua projects total marketing year (MY) 2026/27 coffee production (including robusta) at 2.4 million 60-kilogram bags, down eight percent from the average high of 2.6 million bags. The high probability of El Niño in the second half of 2026 and a 25 percent rise in fertilizer costs may drive yields down in MY 2026/27.   Peru: Coffee Annual Peru's coffee production for marketing year (MY) 2026/2027 is estimated at 4.78 million 60-kg bags, practically unchanged from the previous year. Total exports are estimated at 4.55 million 60-kg bags in MY 2027. The United States was the main customer for Peruvian coffee in MY2026 accounting for 32 percent of total exports.   South Africa: Peak-Season Flooding Threatens South Africa's Citrus Exports Heavy rainfall in South Africa's Eastern and Western Cape provinces caused widespread flooding. The government declared a national disaster due to significant infrastructure damage. The floods destroyed export-quality fruit and wiped-out entire crops for some growers at the peak of the season. The flooding is expected to impact soft citrus production in both provinces, as the rains arrived during early mandarin harvesting.   Uganda: Coffee Annual FAS Nairobi forecasts Uganda’s total coffee production in marketing year (MY) 2026/27 to increase from 7.1 million to 7.2 million 60-kilogram bags (green bean equivalent). The increase is expected to be driven by expansion in area under production, supported by sustained high prices in recent years. Coffee exports in MY 2026/27 are projected to rise from 6.7 million to 6.8 million bags. Domestic consumption is forecast to increase slightly to 335,000 bags, supported by growth in the hospitality sector and a gradual rise in coffee consumption, particularly in urban areas.   Vietnam: Coffee Annual Marketing Year (MY) 2026/27 production is forecast to increase to 32.5 million bags GBE due to production expansion driven by 2024-2025 price peaks. Coffee exports are forecast to rise moderately, and domestic consumption continues to grow. Falling prices from recent peaks have prompted producers, traders and exporters to release stocks, supporting strong export performance.     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 19, 2026. _______     Burma: Tariff Increases on Consumer Food Products On May 1, 2026, Burma increased import duties on various consumer goods, including food products, effective immediately. The new, higher rates are within Burma’s World Trade Organization committed bound rates but represent a near doubling from previously applied tariffs. In 2025, Burma’s imports of all agricultural and related food products reached $3.5 billion of which 1.2 percent originated from the United States. United States exporters should discuss potential application and commercial ramifications of these higher duties with their Burmese importers.   Israel: Israel Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Regulations on Mechanically Separated Meat Production Israel's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has published draft regulations to modernize mechanically separated meat production requirements for domestic and foreign production for imports. The proposed amendments adopt European Union standards (Regulation 853/2004) while addressing Israel's unique microbiological risk profile. The publication, which has not yet been notified to the World Trade Organization, is open for public comment until May 27, 2026, at 23:59 (Israel Standard Time).   South Africa: South Africa Claims its Poultry is More Competitive than US Poultry A new report out of the South African research organization Bureau for Agriculture Policy claims that the South African poultry industry is more competitive than any other country except Brazil. Using its benchmark study from 2015, the report finds that South Africa has the lowest feed conversion ratio, which, along with other technical and economic factors, sets the industry up for growth into export markets. South Africa has long imposed high duties and tariffs on its trading partners to protect its poultry industry from what it claims to be “dumped” chicken meat, but this report suggests that trade conditions are changing.     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 18, 2026. _______     Japan: ATO Osaka 2025 Activities In 2025, ATO Osaka implemented a comprehensive promotion strategy that expanded visibility and sales for U.S. agricultural products across western Japan. The office participated in three major trade shows—FABEX Kansai, Food Style Kyushu, and the Japan International Seafood Show—reaching over 78,000 trade visitors and generating 48 new business connections. Retail initiatives included a year-long Rakuten online fair (112 U.S. products, 50,000+ views) and Hiroshima's first American Gourmet Fair, while partnerships with Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores attracted 65,000 customers. ATO Osaka hosted an American Fair at Osaka Expo 2025's U.S. National Day (20,800 visitors), resulting in three restaurants permanently adopting U.S. ingredients. Educational and media outreach engaged over 300 students and generated 47,000 TV views, while food festival participation reached 52,000 visitors.   Kenya: Coffee Annual FAS Nairobi forecasts a 12 percent jump in Kenya's coffee production to 950,000 60-kilogram (kg) bags in the Marketing Year (MY) 2026/27, due new harvested area, and improved crop care following two years of high prices. Exports are expected to reach 940,000 bags, while domestic consumption is likely to stay flat due to reduced purchasing power and the disruption of urban coffee culture. Kenya’s coffee sector is also entering a new regulatory environment following the enactment of a new Coffee Act of 2026 that shifts regulatory oversight to a re-established Coffee Board of Kenya.   Mexico: Dairy and Products Semi-annual Domestic fluid milk production in Mexico is forecast to increase 2 percent as intensive farms in the north continue to improve production methods. Skim Milk Powder imports in 2026 are forecast to increase by 5 percent due to increased demand from large industrial processers. Cheese production is forecast to rise 2 percent, trending towards specialized categories like flavored and niche cheeses. Mexican consumers continue to move away from vegetable-fat substitutes in favor of dairy products like butter and premium cheeses, with a forecasted rise in consumption of 2 percent for each commodity. The United States is expected to remain the top supplier of most dairy products to the Mexican market in 2026.   Tanzania: Coffee Annual FAS Dar es Salaam projects green bean exports to increase from 1.36 million 60-kilogram bags in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 to 1.4 million bags in MY 2026/27, supported by higher production. The European Union remains the leading importer of Tanzanian green coffee, purchasing five times more than the United States despite ongoing market volatility and policy uncertainty.     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 15, 2026. _______     Brazil: Brazilian Grape and Wine Market Overview Brazil is emerging as a significant player in the global grape and wine industry. The country's vineyards, concentrated in the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná, benefit from favorable climate conditions that produce high-quality grapes for both table consumption and winemaking. Brazil is the world's 14th largest grape, and 11th largest wine, producer.   China: The Northern Frontier of Shenyang Presents Opportunities for US Agriculture Exports Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is a regional hub for transportation, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. Although its economy has softened in line with national trends—resulting in a highly price sensitive market and limited exposure to imported food products—urban consumers increasingly appreciate Western-style restaurants and premium agricultural and food products. Most imported items are concentrated in high end retailers and food service outlets, but this segment has strong potential for growth. Despite these headwinds, the city’s food processing sector has shown notable resilience, creating openings for U.S. exporters—particularly in baking ingredients and meat products that can meet steadily rising demand. Effective entry strategies for U.S. suppliers include partnering with local distributors and Liaoning based trading companies, while deploying targeted marketing and instore promotions to build brand visibility and deepen consumer engagement.   China: US Exporters Record 7 Million USD in New Sales at Food Ingredients China 2026 In March 2026, the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) Shanghai hosted the USA Pavilion at Food Ingredients China (FIC), a USDA-endorsed trade show. The pavilion featured 18 U.S. exhibitors showcasing American ingredients including dairy products, ginseng, pulses, and fruits. FIC welcomed over 93,235 visitors over three days with U.S. exhibitors reporting over $7 million in both on-site sales and projected new sales as a result of their participation.   Indonesia: Coffee Annual Indonesia’s green bean production will likely decrease 8 percent to 11.38 million bags in 2026/27 due excessive rainfall during the flowering and fruit development phase in Robusta production areas in Southern Sumatera and other areas in Java Island. Post revised Arabica production down in 2025/26 related to floods that hit Arabica production regions in Aceh and North Sumatera. Post projects Indonesian green bean exports at 7 million bags for 2026/27.       For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.