USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,ΑΓΡΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΣΗ,

 

The following GAIN reports were released on May 4, 2026. _______ China: 37 National Food Safety Standards Released for Public Comments On April 17, 2026, China published 37 draft national food safety standards soliciting public comments until June 6, 2026. At the time of this report, China has not notified the draft standards to the WTO. This report contains an unofficial translation of the list of standards. Stakeholders are advised to review the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business.   Honduras: Exporter Guide Annual In 2025, U.S. exports of agricultural and related products to Honduras totaled $1.3 billion, accounting for a 39.6 percent market share and a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year. Growth was driven by a $76 million rise in consumer-oriented products, while bulk products declined by $5 million and intermediate products decreased slightly by $0.4 million. The leading exports by value were corn, soybean meal, pork and pork products, cotton, and rice. The United States maintains an agricultural trade surplus with Honduras.   Netherlands: US Biofuels Exports to the Netherlands Surge - New Markets Arise In 2025, the Netherlands imported $535 million of U.S. biofuels, solidifying its role as a key hub for sustainable road, aviation, and shipping fuels. Starting in 2026, Dutch legislation imposes greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction mandates for marine and inland bunker suppliers, aiming to meet strict emission targets. While the shipping sector explores various alternatives, a significant shift toward biobased diesel fuels is anticipated to meet these evolving requirements. These regulatory changes, particularly focusing on waste-based biofuels in the Port of Rotterdam, are creating new market opportunities for U.S. biofuels and as well as feedstock suppliers.     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 1, 2026. _______ Egypt: Sugar Annual Egypt's sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2026/27 (October to September) is projected at 3.0 million metric tons (MMT), a decline of 180,000 metric tons (MT) from MY 2025/26 estimates due to reduced beet sugar output and a slight drop in cane sugar production. In MY 2025/26, Egyptian importers and some industries capitalized on falling global sugar prices by importing and refining raw sugar at costs significantly lower than processing domestic production, which prompted the Egyptian government to regulate both raw and refined sugar imports to balance local market supply and demand. Higher global energy prices continue to drive up costs for domestic sugarcane production and processing in Egypt. Peru: Peru Approves New Technology Guidelines On March 6, 2026, Peru approved Ministerial Resolution 068-2026-MINAM-DM, implementing the regulatory New Technologies (NT) Act, or new guidelines that determine the status of NTs excluded from the broad biotechnology-derived seed cultivation moratorium. The regulation opens a pathway for biotech seed cultivation derived from new genomic techniques under a new definition of “Living Modified Organism” (LMO). The regulation creates a self-registration system to track new product developments with a 30-day review window under the authority of the Ministry of Environment's (MINAM).     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 April 30, 2026. _______   China: Poultry Demand in the Yangtze River Delta Poultry consumption in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) continues to grow, with Jiangsu and Anhui provinces driving increases, while Shanghai remains a mature and stable market. Poultry is gaining market share from pork, supported by its lower cost, versatility, and perceived health benefits. Foodservice expansion, e-commerce development, and cold-chain improvements are key drivers of demand, particularly for convenient and value-added poultry products.   Guatemala: Exporter Guide Annual Guatemala’s imports of consumer-oriented products continue to grow, reaching $987 million in 2025, a 12 percent increase that surpassed imports of bulk and intermediate products by nearly 50 percent. Since 2020, imports in this category have doubled. Food sales in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets are also increasing, driven by a young population with an average age of 26.   Indonesia: Indonesia Expands Import Licensing to Six Commodities Including Soybean Meal Beginning on May 8, 2026, Indonesia will require import licenses for soybean meal, wheat for feed, broken rice for feed, mung beans, pears, and peanuts. However, transitional provisions allow shipments that were loaded prior to entry into force to proceed without being subject to the new requirements. The regulation supports the Prabowo administration's food self-sufficiency and import substitution goals. This report outlines the specific import licensing requirements, which differ by commodity, and the anticipated impact on U.S. agricultural exports.   United Kingdom: Grain and Feed Annual The United Kingdom (UK) grains sector is forecast to see a further agronomic recovery in MY 2026/27, led by higher wheat production, but only a modest improvement in farm incomes after several difficult years. Total grain output (wheat, barley, oats, and mixed grains) is expected to rise compared with MY 2025/26, while the overall cereals area remains broadly stable and the crop mix continues to shift away from barley, oats, and pulses towards wheat and other cereals. Feed and residual use is projected to increase slightly as wheat regains share in rations, while food, seed, and industrial use remains below earlier peaks amid subdued bioethanol and malting demand. Large beginning stocks, high fertilizer costs, and heavy European and global grain supplies are expected to keep prices capped and limit the extent to which better yields translate into stronger margins.     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 April 29, 2026. _______   Argentina: Sugar Annual Argentina’s sugar exports in MY 2026/27 are forecast at 600,000 tons (raw value), up 15 percent from MY 2025/26 and among the highest levels on record, driven by strong production gains. Sugarcane output is projected at 26.5 million tons, supported by abundant rainfall throughout the growing season and only marginal expansion in planted area. With domestic consumption largely saturated and only modest recovery expected, and ethanol production stable, surplus supplies are anticipated to be directed to export markets. Chile and the United States are expected to remain the leading destinations.   China: General Principles for Foods for Special Medical Purposes Revised On September 2, 2025, China published a revised national food safety standard for foods for special medical purposes, which is set to take effect on September 2, 2027. On March 18, 2026, SAMR released a Q&A on product registration under the revised standard to clarify compliance requirements. This report contains a summary of SAMR’s clarifications and an unofficial translation of the revised standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business.   China: Guangzhou City Snapshot Report Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is one of China’s four first-tier cities. With a population approaching 19 million and a rapidly expanding middle class, it ranks among southern China’s largest consumption and trade hubs, with robust demand for high-quality imported food products. With its rich culinary heritage and dynamic food scene, there are strong opportunities for premium imported ingredients, particularly fresh fruits, dairy products, and seafood in Guangzhou. Supported by well-developed infrastructure, including world-class ports and advanced cold chain logistics, and its strategic geographic location, Guangzhou continues to serve as a key gateway for U.S. agricultural exports to southern China.   Colombia: Colombia to Change Front of Pack Labeling Requirements for Processed Products On April 21, 2026, Colombia's Ministry of Health released draft regulations amending the front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) requirements for processed products that Colombia first established in 2021. The draft introduces new definitions for "ultra-processed" products, "ultra-processed ingredients," and "cosmetic additives," along with a new rectangular FOPL for "ultra-processed" products. The Ministry of Health will accept comments for its local consultation until May 6, 2026.   Honduras: Coffee Annual Honduran coffee production is forecast to reach 5.53 million 60-kg bags in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 and increase to 6.03 million 60-kg bags in MY 2026/27. The projected growth is supported by improved plant nutrition, favorable biennial production cycles, expansion of productive areas, enhanced pruning and crop management practices, and the maturation of newly established coffee plantations. As a result, Honduran coffee exports are projected to rise to 5.03 million 60-kg bags in MY 2025/26 and 5.50 million bags in MY 2026/27.   India: Sugar Annual India's sugar sector is poised for recovery in marketing year 2026/27 following multiple years of production deficits. Consecutive favorable monsoons have restored critical groundwater reserves in major producing states, enabling both area expansion and improved yields for this water-intensive crop. For the first time in two years, domestic production is expected to exceed consumption, marking a significant shift in supply dynamics. India's sugar consumption continues evolving along income-stratified patterns, with commercial and institutional buyers now dominating demand while affluent urban households increasingly shift toward alternative healthy sweeteners. Although total sugar imports are expected to remain steady for MY 2026/27, the expected recovery in production should provide India greater flexibility to meet domestic needs, fulfill international trade obligations, and support its ambitious ethanol blending targets.   Kazakhstan: Grain and Feed Annual In marketing year 2026/27, weather and other market factors are expected to drive Kazakhstan’s wheat and barley production sharply lower from the prior year’s near records. Production levels, though, will still be within the normal range. This expected contraction in production will cause wheat and barley exports to fall year-to-year. Grain imports are also expected to decline because of Kazakhstan’s recent ban on imported Russian feed grains due to animal disease concerns. Meanwhile, surging exports of feed flour may slow down following China’s recent decision to impose new regulatory requirements on future shipments.   Philippines: Sugar Annual FAS Manila forecasts raw sugar production to decrease for marketing year (MY) 2026/27 compared to MY 2025/26 estimate due to the impact of a potential El Niño and limited sugarcane area expansion. Refined sugar imports are forecast to increase in MY 2026/27, following the issuance of Sugar Order No. 2 in January 2026. The Philippines is expected to fulfill part of its 2026 U.S. sugar tariff-rate quota allocation. At this time, FAS Manila forecasts zero exports for MY 2026/27. Consumption is expected to increase amid growing demand from food and beverage manufacturers. Raw sugar stocks are forecast to decline as a result of lower production.   Thailand: Grain and Feed Monthly Thai rice exports fell in January and February 2026 amid intense competition from India and Vietnam. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted Thailand's exports to the Middle East and driven war-risk insurance premiums sharply up. Growing demand for Thai rice from ASEAN markets may offset Thailand's 2026 market losses in the Middle East. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives reported that MY 2025/26 off-season production conditions remain broadly favorable. Still Thai Meteorological Department 's 2026 summer forecast of hotter and drier than normal conditions warrants close monitoring for main-crop planting later in the year.       For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. USDA Accepting Applications for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Australia Washington, D.C., May 4, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through May 18 for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Melbourne, Australia, scheduled for Aug. 30 – Sept. 3. The mission, led by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), aims to expand export opportunities for U.S. producers in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. The trip takes place at the same time as the USDA-endorsed Fine Food Australia trade show, giving participants even more access to buyers in the region. “With stable economic growth and proven demand for high-quality U.S. food in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, now is the time for U.S. agribusinesses to build on the growing momentum in this region, and bring that prosperity back home to the people and communities we serve,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg.  In 2025, Australia ranked as the 18th-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products, totaling $1.69 billion, with consumer-ready goods – such as packaged snacks, wine, and fresh meats – accounting for 85% of that value. The same year, exports to New Zealand reached $620 million, with consumer-ready products making up more than half of the total. USDA anticipates strong opportunities for many specific U.S. exports in the region, including:  Pork and beef products Dairy products Distilled spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages Fresh fruit and tree nuts Baked and confectionery goods, cereals and pasta Processed food products Pet food Throughout the mission, participants will connect directly with regional buyers through business-to-business meetings, networking events, in-depth market briefings and site visits led by regional experts.  To apply by the Monday, May 18, 2026, deadline, visit the Australia Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage.  This mission is just one of several USDA-led export promotion initiatives so far this year. USDA will announce application details for upcoming 2026 missions soon.  To learn more about USDA agribusiness trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. # # # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.