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Ghana’s Evolving Market: Implications for U.S. Agricultural ExportsGhana’s economy is rebounding following the 2025 political transition to a newly elected government and peaceful transfer of power, supported by stronger governance, tighter enforcement against illegal mining, and rising exports of precious metals, particularly gold. Inflation has declined sharply, consumer spending power is on the trajectory to grow, and urbanization continues to expand. These developments are reshaping food consumption patterns and increasing demand for imported consumer-oriented products. U.S. agricultural exports to Ghana remain concentrated in poultry and food preparations, with notable opportunities in convenience foods, processed ingredients, consumer-oriented products, beef, wine and spirits, and specialized items aligned with Ghana’s evolving retail landscape. Please click here to read more >> REMINDER: USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to VietnamWashington, D.C., July 15 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications for its Agribusiness Trade Mission to Vietnam, Nov. 9-12. This mission to Ho Chi Minh City will directly connect American farmers, ranchers and producers with buyers in one of the fastest growing and rapidly developing markets in Asia. USDA is accepting applications through July 31. “Vietnam is a clear example of how the administration’s policies are leading to real successes, opening up markets, breaking export records, and reducing historically high agricultural trade deficits,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “This mission will build on our rapid response TRUMP mission we just wrapped up in March and lock in wins for American farmers and agricultural producers in this critical market.” Vietnam is the seventh-largest export market for U.S. agriculture – valued at $5.6 billion in 2025 – making the U.S. Vietnam’s second-largest supplier of agricultural goods. With a population of more than 100 million, Vietnam is also Southeast Asia’s third-most-populous country. Combined with rising incomes and a rapidly growing gross domestic product, Vietnam offers U.S. agribusinesses tremendous export potential, due to its booming food processing, hospitality, and retail sectors, especially for products including:
Younger Vietnamese consumers are also putting greater emphasis on health and wellness, which opens opportunities for “free-from” and “better-for-you” products from American health and wellness brands, organic producers and premium snack manufacturers. The mission directly connects U.S. exporters with potential buyers from both Vietnam and Cambodia during site visits and targeted business-to-business meetings. FAS staff will also host networking events and in-depth market briefings. More information on this trade mission is at https://www.fas.usda.gov/
### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. The following GAIN reports were released on July 21, 2026. _______
Through an exchange of letters, the USDA and the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) agreed to expand the list of permitted American beef cut names in Chile, effective July 15, 2026. The harmonization of U.S. beef cut names with Chilean regulations was the result of extensive technical work between both parties, leading to an increase of 34 newly authorized U.S. cuts. Sales of organic products in China reached $17 billion in 2024, making it the third-largest organic market after the United States and Germany. Fueled by rising consumer awareness, concerns about health and sustainability, urbanization, and increasing disposable income, the market is expanding rapidly. While challenges such as regulatory barriers and domestic competition persist, products can capitalize on opportunities through cross-border e-commerce and by leveraging the trusted USDA Organic certification seal. Thailand ranks among the world's leading seafood producers and exporters, with a sector valued at $8.9 billion in 2025 and projected to grow over 3 percent annually through 2030. A sophisticated processing base, a robust foodservice industry, and a rapidly expanding import base near $4.5 billion in 2025 underpin this growth, driven largely by structural gaps in premium species and increasing reliance on imported raw materials. U.S. seafood exports to Thailand reached $140 million in 2025, a 60 percent year-on-year increase. Rising health consciousness and growing origin awareness are fueling Thai consumer demand for premium, sustainably sourced seafood across modern retail, upscale restaurants, and online platforms. In 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) is expected to remain the largest global consumer of imported wood pellets. In calendar year (CY) 2026, consumption is forecast to reach a record 10.35 million metric tons (MMT), requiring an estimated 10.15 MMT in imports - driven by strong demand for renewable power. The United States accounts for the vast majority of UK wood pellet imports. In 2026 the UK government announced a mandatory supply chain due diligence regime for forest-risk commodities and the development of a Common Biomass Sustainability Framework (CBSF), which carry significant implications for U.S. exporters. In 2025, consumption reached 9.95 MMT, with the biomass energy sector providing from 7 to as high as 17 percent of total UK electricity generation, depending on concurrent energy generation from other renewable sources. 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 July 20, 2026. _______
On July 13, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced the outcome of its 2025/2026 business application window for duty suspensions. The outcome includes a suspension on Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) fertilizer, a U.S. fertilizer export to the United Kingdom (UK). The suspension is expected to save millions for UK consumers and boost U.S. exports. The announcement also includes suspensions on an additional 21 agricultural products, covering approximately $145 million in U.S. trade and providing over $17 million in tariff savings. These suspensions take effect August 5 and will remain in place through December 31, 2028. Separately, the outcome of the parallel "Cost of Living" tariff suspension package, covering roughly 125 everyday food products, as well as fertilizer and kerosene, is expected imminently. The May 7, 2026 elections in Wales and Scotland produced significant political shifts with direct implications for domestic agricultural policy. In the United Kingdom (UK), each of the 4 devolved nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the authority and independence to develop and implement their respective domestic agricultural policy, unlike trade policy, which remains under central UK government control. In Wales, the new ruling party is expected to reassess the previous government's Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). In Scotland, the new government is looking to institute price caps on food products, which is expected to be challenged. 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 July 17, 2026. _______
China notified revised Measures on Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances to the WTO as G/TBT/N/CHN/1351/Rev.1. Comments may be submitted to China’s TBT National Notification and Enquiry Center at tbt@customs.gov.cn until August 30, 2026. Since the notification indicates an implementation date for the revised measures of August 15, 2026, stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments as soon as possible. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft regulation. China's 15th Five-Year Plan for Accelerating the Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Areas (2026–2030) targets grain production capacity of 725 million metric tons and elevates technology as a core engine of agricultural growth. On the global stage, the plan seeks to diversify agricultural imports and cultivate internationally competitive domestic enterprises. The document marks a strategic shift from a “transition period” to a phase of systemic modernization aimed at becoming an agricultural powerhouse by 2035. China has issued a revised Feed Ingredients Catalog. This report provides an unofficial translation and summary of the major updates to the catalogue. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business. EU bioethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel (BBD) consumption is rising due to stricter renewable transport targets enforced by the revised second Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). Though electrification, biofuel blending limits, crop caps, and specific sustainability requirements restrain growth. While domestic bioethanol production remains stagnant, BBD manufacturing is expanding, supported by anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports and the EU Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets. Driven by growing demand and flat local output, EU bioethanol imports are forecast to increase in 2026, primarily from the United States and Ukraine. In 2026, EU BBD imports from China and Argentina are collapsing while volumes from India and Thailand surge. Following changes to American tax credits, the United Kingdom has emerged as the largest export market for EU BBD. Finally, the consumption of advanced biofuels derived from waste streams must increase significantly by 2030 to meet EU regulatory mandates. This report provides an overview of the biofuel use mandates in EU-27 member states, including national implementation of the revised RED II in some Member States. It supplements the EU Biofuels Annual Report for 2026. On July 8, 2026, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) revised the Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified (GM) Foods to expand mandatory GM labeling requirements to include certain food products that do not contain detectable GM DNA or protein. The new labeling requirement will take effect on December 31, 2026 for soy sauce products and December 31, 2027 for saccharides and edible oil products. The Republic of Korea (ROK) plans to import approximately 210 million table eggs from the United States and Thailand in July and August, backed by KRW 99.7 billion ($67 million) in government support, to stabilize supply ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the ROK in November 2025 and the subsequent culling of 11.3 million laying hens as well as a slow flock recovery have kept daily egg production between 46 and 47 million eggs a day, below the 50 million needed to meet demand. This report outlines market conditions and opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to expand or enter the Venezuelan market. In 2025, U.S. agricultural exports to Venezuela reached $758 million, mostly unchanged from 2024. In early 2026, improved bilateral relations between the United States and Venezuela provided important economic tailwinds, and the economy underwent a period of localized stabilization and output growth, though it remained severely weakened by a long-term economic contraction, hyperinflation, and a lingering impact of international sanctions. The devastating June 24, 2026, earthquakes in north-central Venezuela further disrupted commercial trade, damaging critical infrastructure and straining essential logistics networks. Despite these challenges, Venezuela’s food and retail sector has proven durable, and consumers continue to hold U.S. brands in high regard. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
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