USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update
USDA Announces Delegation for Agribusiness Trade Mission to VietnamWASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service today announced the participants in its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 9–12, 2026. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Alexander Vaden will lead the delegation which is the largest sent to Vietnam in Foreign Agricultural Service history. It includes 43 U.S. businesses, 37 agricultural trade and industry organizations, and representatives from the California, Kansas and Wisconsin state departments of agriculture. The mission will connect American exporters directly with Vietnamese buyers, importers and distributors to expand sales opportunities in one of Asia’s most dynamic and growing markets. "Vietnam is already one of our biggest agricultural export markets, and there’s enormous opportunity to expand that footprint," said Deputy Secretary Vaden. "This mission brings a diverse group of American businesses and industry leaders face-to-face with willing buyers, developing the lasting commercial partnerships that benefit America’s hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers and overseas consumers, while reinforcing a diverse global supply chain." Vietnam was the seventh-largest export market for American agricultural and related products in 2025, importing nearly $5.6 billion. U.S. agricultural exports to Vietnam have increased 38% comparing 2024 to 2025. Strong demand for U.S. cotton, soybeans and feed ingredients supports Vietnam's expanding manufacturing and livestock sectors, while rising incomes and growth in food retail and processing are creating new opportunities for American fruit, dairy, meat and specialty products. Vietnam’s expanding biofuels market and ethanol blending requirements are also creating new opportunities for U.S. corn growers and ethanol producers, building on recent USDA trade engagement and bolstering growing demand. During the mission, participants will take part in business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits and promotional events designed to introduce American products to Vietnamese consumers and strengthen existing commercial relationships. Representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will take part, along with the following U.S. businesses and agricultural industry organizations:
The Vietnam agribusiness trade mission builds on USDA's ongoing work to expand agricultural trade throughout Southeast Asia and follows an earlier Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam in March. For information on this and other USDA agribusiness trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topic The following GAIN reports were released on November 4, 2026. _______Canadian apple production is forecast to see a slight decline in MY 2026/27, with lingering impacts from the previous year’s drought suppressing volumes. Pear production is forecast to rise in MY 2026/27 as Ontario production recovers from the MY 2025/26 drought impacts. Production of table grapes is forecast to grow again in MY 2026/27 driven by production gains in Ontario. Imports of all three commodities are forecast to be up in MY 2026/27. Early production estimates indicate that Canada’s 2026 wheat crop is the second largest ever and, subsequently, export potential is strong. Harvest progress in the Prairie Provinces has been behind historical averages in MY 2026/2027, but advanced in late September to early October due to drier weather. The Canadian government’s final production estimates will be published in December. While exports of Canadian wheat started the marketing year strong, they’re unlikely to exceed the record-level MY 2025/2026 volumes, because of fewer exportable supplies. The Caribbean remains a strong and growing market for U.S. food and beverage suppliers, driven by a heavy reliance on imports and a steady rebound in tourism. With the region importing $3.7 billion in consumer-oriented agricultural products in 2025 and the United States maintaining a 46 percent market share, opportunities continue to expand across the region. Retail food sales rose to $10.9 billion in 2025, reflecting both inflationary pressures and increasing demand for value-focused products. Despite some logistical challenges and rising shipping costs, U.S. suppliers benefit from established commercial ties, strong brand perception, and a favorable regulatory environment. Post maintained its forecast for MY 26/27 soybean production at 20.1 million metric tons (MMT) and adjusted its forecast for MY 26/27 soybean imports upward slightly to 110 MMT. Chinese state-owned enterprises continue to purchase U.S. soybeans in accordance with the Busan agreement, while the 10 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans leads commercial buyers to rely on South American suppliers. China’s growing soybean crush for meal and cooling demand for soybean oil will push its soybean oil exports to reach a record 1.35 MMT in MY 26/27. For marketing year (MY) 2026/27 (October–September), production is estimated at 1.82 million metric tons (MMT), with exports totaling 220,000 metric tons. A larger harvested area, increased varieties, better logistics, and compliance with trading partners' phytosanitary standards, increased growth and demand. Table grapes are Egypt's second-largest fruit crop by volume, after citrus. Since August 2024, El Salvador's Superintendency of Sanitary Regulation (SRS) has overseen sanitary registration and import authorization for processed food and beverage products, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) maintains responsibility for sanitary and phytosanitary controls under its jurisdiction. Recent regulatory changes have clarified responsibilities between agencies, eliminated certain documentation and laboratory requirements, and expanded electronic processing of import authorizations. This report summarizes current food laws, labeling requirements, product registration procedures, and other requirements affecting U.S. agricultural and food exports to El Salvador. This report provides examples of the significant export certificates and other documents required by the government of El Salvador for U.S. exports of food and agricultural products. Since August 7, 2024, the Superintendence for Sanitary Regulation (SRS) has been responsible for food and beverage product registration in El Salvador, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) will continue to approve import permits for unprocessed meats, bulk dairy, produce and pet food. SRS also issues special import permits for food and beverages, including raw materials and food additives. Requirements for imports of animal and plant products are based on sanitary and phytosanitary risk analysis, applying national and international regulations. EU commercial apple and pear production in Marketing Year (MY) 2026/27 is forecast at 9.8 million metric tons (MMT) and 1.88 MMT, respectively. This is a decrease of 13.5 percent for apples and an increase of 2 percent for pears compared to the previous year. If materialized this would be the second-smallest production in the past decade for apples and the fifth-smallest for pears. EU commercial table grape production is forecast to increase by 4 percent to 1.59 MMT. Consumers in the Republic of Korea (ROK) continue to shift from a traditional rice-based diet toward wheat-based foods. Growing domestic wheat consumption and rapidly expanding ramyeon exports will modestly raise wheat import demand in marketing year (MY) 2026/27, as the ROK relies heavily on imports for its wheat and corn supply. U.S. grain and feed should keep a strong market share in MY 2026/27, as U.S. corn and wheat export sales commitments to the ROK exceed the three-year average. However, an amendment to the ROK's Food Sanitation Act will require genetically engineered (GE) labeling for saccharides and edible oils, with a proposed effective date of December 31, 2026. This could dampen demand for GE corn, a market that U.S. suppliers dominate. Rising demand for processing rice, driven by the convenience of instant rice products, continues to replace table rice consumption. As a result, per capita rice consumption, which counts table rice only, keeps falling. Turkiye is among the world’s leading economies and home to a young, mostly urban population of 85.7 million people. This dynamic has fueled the country’s rising demand for consumer-oriented agricultural products. In recent years, however, this demand has been tempered somewhat by geopolitical dynamics and persistent economic challenges, most notably record inflation. Notwithstanding these and other trade-related challenges, there are a wide range of export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. This report provides a blueprint for identifying and capitalizing on these opportunities. The following GAIN reports were released on November 3, 2026. _______Bt cotton remains the only genetically engineered (GE) crop Burma allows farmers to cultivate. A 2025 amendment to the Animal Health and Livestock Development Law requires businesses that produce, process, or sell GE animals to register with the Livestock, Breeding and Veterinary Department. On October 10, 2026, China published a draft revision of the Food Safety Law, which is the first major revision of the law since 2015. The draft is open for public comments until November 10, 2026. China has not notified this draft to the World Trade Organization. This report provides an unofficial translation of the revised law and information on how to submit comments. India's fresh fruit market continues to expand, driven by a young population, rising incomes, and growing health awareness. Apples, pears, and grapes lead consumer demand. In the apple market, domestic production supplies seasonal volume at affordable prices, while imports fill off-season gaps and meet demand for premium, consistent quality. Imports have turned pears from a limited seasonal product into a year-round category by timing shipments to the gap between domestic harvests. India remains a major table grape exporter. Over the next decade, modernization, climate resilience, and new varieties should drive growth in the sector, although unseasonal weather swings and export challenges weighed on performance in marketing year 2025/26. Jordan’s grain markets in 2026 have been shaped by regional conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, uncertainty with Black Sea grain supply, and a sharp rise in world wheat and barley prices. In Jordan, favorable rainfall improved local cereal harvests, including of wheat and barley, and the Government of Jordan (GOJ) expanded its purchases from local farmers. Jordan's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply continued prioritizing maintaining its strategic wheat and barley reserves to bolster the country's food security. Jordan's poultry expansion and feed mill expansion is supporting higher corn consumption. Jordan's Aqaba Port, on the Red Sea, has emerged as a regional gateway for grain trade. The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to regulate genetically engineered (GE) crops. It has approved five GE products in four crops for commercial propagation, most recently high-iron and zinc rice. As of October 22, 2026, the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Approval Registry lists 123 events for direct use and 21 for commercial propagation. The Court of Appeals ruling on the Writ of Kalikasan continues to halt Golden Rice and Bt eggplant while the Supreme Court reviews the case. A draft circular on gene-edited animals went through public consultation in 2026 but has not been issued. Singapore does not have any domestic commercial production of plant biotechnology. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) website lists 139 genetically engineered (GE) crops approved for use as food for direct consumption, ingredients, and further processing into ingredients for other food in the country. GE foods sold in Singapore must undergo a rigorous safety assessment by the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) and SFA. The assessments are based on Codex principles. SFA’s Food Safety and Security Act (FSSA) was passed on January 8, 2025, and came into force on November 28, 2025, and aims to formalize responsibility and clarify regulatory obligations, especially around “defined” food which includes GE food. SFA’s “Regulatory Framework for the use of Genome Edited Crops for Food and Animal Feed” was implemented on August 1, 2024. The winter of 2026 was not cold enough and therefore the Marketing Year 2026/27 season will likely start 10 to 14 days earlier than usual. The production of apples and pears in MY 2026/27 is forecast to increase from MY 2025/26 based on higher-yielding varieties and newer trees coming into production. MY 2026/27 table grape production is forecast to drop from the record production in MY 2025/26. FAS Pretoria forecasts that MY 2026/27 deciduous fruit exports will increase from MY 2025/26 based on increased production of export-quality fruit. Exports to the United States will likely remain low as deciduous fruit exports face a 12.5 percent U.S. import duty. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service in Pretoria (FAS/Pretoria) forecasts that South Africa's corn production will decline in marketing year 2026/27 from last season's record harvest, as farmers plant less corn and yields return to average levels. The threat of a strong El Niño event and record fuel prices are pushing some farmers to diversify into sunflower seed, which tolerates drought better and costs less to grow, although corn will remain South Africa's dominant summer crop. Lower production will reduce exports, but record carry-over stocks will soften the decline. Year-end stocks are expected to fall to around the long-term average, and South Africa will remain a key corn supplier to southern Africa, supporting regional food security. In September 2026, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) Agricultural Biosafety Committee certified the “High GABA Sicilian Rouge” tomato as its first genome-edited (GEd) crop, while as of now, there are no GEd animals certified. Meanwhile, Thailand still effectively bans production and trade in genetically engineered (GE) crops and animals but has granted an exemption for corn and soybean imports for feed, industrial and processing application. For GE food ingredients, the Thai FDA will require that all GE events be registered in the new positive list by December 4, 2027. Post encourages U.S. suppliers of GE food ingredients to confirm that their products comply with the positive list in advance of the deadline. The following GAIN reports were released on November 2, 2026. _______The Government of Japan’s liquor tax reform, which has been implemented in phases since 2020, reached its final stage on October 1, 2026. The primary objective of this reform was to eliminate the tax disparities among similar beer-like alcoholic beverages and secure a unified tax system. The higher liquor taxes on malt-based beer prompted companies to develop beer-like beverages that were assessed a lower tax. Although U.S. origin beer falls into the "premium beer" category, it will also be affected by the update to liquor tax policy. This report analyzes the impact of these tax-related changes on the market for imported beer from the United States in retail prices, consumer perception, constraints, and opportunities. Laos is a small but fast-growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products. U.S. agricultural exports reached a record $6.2 million in 2025. Rising tourism and a stabilizing economy are increasing demand for premium imports into population hubs like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. According to local contacts, frozen U.S. beef and cheese have the strongest prospects in upscale hotels and restaurants, while cafés and bakeries create year-round opportunities for U.S. products and bakery ingredients. In retail, U.S. distilled spirits, snacks, tree nuts, and infant formula benefit from consumer trust in U.S. food safety. Laos is a promising market for U.S. exporters already shipping to Thailand or elsewhere in Southeast Asia and those looking to grow in the region. The current dim market perspectives and mounting demands from policy and society are shaping the Dutch swine sector, creating different production and supply chains for the EU domestic market. Thailand’s domestic milk production continues to struggle as the domestic fluid milk demand shrinks amid a declining birth rate and strong competition from imported dairy products. At the farm level, volatile feed prices and limited access to capital further constrain farmers’ ability to maintain production efficiency and competitiveness. To guide U.S. exporters through these market opportunities, the Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Bangkok has identified several known, key trade shows taking place in Thailand throughout 2027, ensuring targeted and impactful engagement for U.S. agricultural exporters. The Thai Cabinet approved a two-month extension of the “Thais Help Thais Plus: 60/40” co-payment scheme, which now gives each participant a one-time allowance to help with rising living and energy costs. Around one third of the Thai population participated in the first phase, and surveyed participants largely said the program eased their cost of living, though some regions noted that the assistance was insufficient. Thailand’s Ministry of Finance credits the initial phase with boosting GDP and expects the extension to add further growth. After severe frost and other extreme weather sharply reduced the MY 2025/26 harvest, favorable weather has brought Türkiye's deciduous fruit production back up in MY 2026/27. Post forecasts for commercial apple production at 4.3 million metric tons (MMT), up about 88 percent; pear production at 620,000 metric tons (MT), up about 46 percent; and table grape production at 2.2 MMT, up about 53 percent. Exports should rise sharply from last year's low levels: apples to 270,000 MT, pears to 58,000 MT, and table grapes to 220,000 MT. However, apple and pear exports will likely stay below pre-frost averages because Turkish exporters lost market share, production costs are rising, and the exchange rate makes Turkish fruit less competitive abroad. Meanwhile, the large harvest has pushed farm-gate prices below production costs for many growers, especially in traditional orchards. This report contains updated production and export estimates for marketing year (MY) 2026/27 for wheat, corn, barley, and rye. Post further decreased MY2026/27 export estimates against its previous estimates due to the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Black Sea and intensified attacks on Ukraine’s in-land logistics. Post estimates ending stocks will reach an all-time high. The following GAIN reports were released on October 30, 2026. On September 22, the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) released amendments to several existing national food safety standards on food additives. These revised standards went into force on August 18, 2026. This report provides unofficial translation of ten food additive standards and their amendments. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business. On July 4, 2026, China published draft amendments to its E-Commerce Law for public comment. The proposed amendments if adopted would strengthen China’s oversight of e-commerce platforms and expand enforcement tools. The domestic comment period closed on August 4, 2026 and China has not notified the amendments to the World Trade Organization. This report provides an unofficial translation of the proposed amendments. On September 22, 2026, China’s NHC and SAMR jointly released the National Food Safety Standard for Determination of Aflatoxins B and G in Foods (GB5009.22-2026) and National Food Safety Standard for Determination of Aflatoxins M Group in Foods (GB5009.24-2026). This report provides an unofficial translation of the final two standards. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business. On September 22, 2026, China’s NHC and SAMR jointly released the National Food Safety Standard for Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Foods (GB5009.253-2026). This report provides an unofficial translation of the final standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business. USDA-endorsed SIAL China provided a platform for U.S. exporters to showcase consumer-oriented agricultural products and connect with buyers in China’s retail and hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sectors. The Shanghai exhibition spanned 200,000 square meters and attracted more than 5,000 exhibitors from 75 countries and 180,000 professional attendees. The USA Pavilion hosted 30 U.S. exporters, including two Cooperators and two State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs), generating $550,000 in on-site sales and $8.75 million in projected 12-month sales. The 2026 southwest monsoon concluded 13 percent below the long-period average at 759.4 millimeters, ranking as the fourth lowest since 2001 with severe rainfall deficits hitting east, northeast, and south India. This triggered widespread negative moisture anomalies and left major reservoir storage at 71.84 percent capacity significantly below normal and last year's levels, particularly straining southern and western regions. Total Kharif crop sowing has remained relatively resilient at 130.25 million hectares down just one percent year-on-year with minor shifts in rice and pulses. However, looming El Niño conditions and below-normal rainfall forecasts for October point to constrained irrigation. Consequently, winter (rabi) season planting is expected to tilt heavily toward drought-resilient, water-efficient crops over heavy water-consuming staples. Japan was the third largest single country market for U.S. agricultural exports in 2025, after Mexico and Canada, and is a consistently reliable and stable trading partner. Japan imports 63 percent of its food on a caloric basis, and the United States is the largest supplier, with major products including beef, corn, pork, wheat, soybeans, and seafood. This reports reviews the top reasons why Japan continues to be a critical market for U.S. agriculture. Fresh apple production in Mexico is forecast to increase by 5 percent in marketing year (MY) 2026/27, largely due to adoption of more modern growing techniques and favorable weather conditions. The pear sector continues to rely heavily on imports from the United States to satisfy domestic demand as local commercial production remains a low priority for Mexican growers. Mexico’s table grape production is forecast to decrease 7 percent, largely due to unfavorable weather conditions. Basic food basket staples, such as apples and pears, are expected to see minimal growth consumption, constrained by inflation. Table grape consumption is forecast to decline slightly due to its status as a more premium product. The United States is Mexico’s major trading partner supplying over 98 percent of apple imports, 65 percent of pear imports, and over 55 percent of table grape imports. Taiwan’s dairy sector remains dependent on imports, and the United States is a key supplier. Post forecasts fluid milk consumption will decline to 540,000 metric tons (MT) in 2027 as domestic producers curb output, while imports rise to 70,000 MT. The United States remains Taiwan’s leading supplier of fluid milk and whey. In 2026, U.S. butter exports exceeded 1,000 MT for the first time, and U.S. cheese exports are expected to exceed 8,000 MT. Low birth rates will continue to limit milk powder demand. Post forecasts Taiwan’s apple imports at 150,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2026/27, as domestic fruit supplies return to normal following a bumper crop in 2026. The United States remains the largest supplier by volume, accounting for 39 percent of MY 2025/26 imports, while New Zealand leads in value because of its premium prices. U.S. organic apple exports reached a record 8,151 MT. Favorable weather is expected to lift domestic production to 1,250 MT, the largest crop in recent years. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit www.fas.usda.gov
|
Σχόλια
Δημοσίευση σχολίου
Eυπρόσδεκτα τα σχόλιά Σας...