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Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 11 agricultural chemicals (Ametoctradin, Amisulbrom, Flumioxazin, Flupyradifurone, Glufosinate, Mefentrifluconazole, Metaldehyde, Simeconazole, Cefuroxime, Dicloxacillin, and Amprolium) for various agricultural commodities.

On March 7, 2023, the People's Republic of China (PRC) notified revised Maximum Levels (MLs) of Nitrite to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1276.

Cotton production in Australia is primed for a near record 5.8 million bales in MY 2023/24, stringing together three successive big crops starting from the record 5.85 million bales in MY 2021/22.

In 2022, Taiwan imported record-high US$4.4 billion agricultural products from the US. Yet, due to COVID variants, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, labor shortage, and inflation issues, Taiwan's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased 0.17 percent at $774.7 billion.

The Philippines maintains a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for corn (H.S. 1005). Following the reduction of tariffs in 2022 and their extension in 2023, significant interest in how to access the in-quota tariff ensued, and in turn, so followed widespread concern among local stakeholders for the process being anti-competitive, outdated, and potentially inconsistent with the Philippines' commitments with trading partners.

On January 4, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Health Commission (NHC), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly announced the publication of a new National Food Safety Standard for 112 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in Foods.

Australia has proven to be an appealing and profitable market for U.S. companies for many years. Apart from an extremely strict quarantine regime, it offers few barriers to entry, a familiar legal and corporate framework, and a sophisticated and straightforward business culture.

On March 9, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published a Decision on Amending and Repealing Some Regulations (Draft for Comments) for seed variety registration.

Rice export prices increased 2-3 percent due to the strengthening of the Thai baht which offset the downward pressure on domestic rice prices.

Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: Aspiring Chefs Explore “The Science of Souffle” With U.S. Ingredients and Local Flavors

Post forecasts MY2022/23 cotton imports to increase 4 percent but remain well below the 5-year average annual import demand from MY2017/18 – MY2021/22 in anticipation of slow economic recovery in 2023.

FAS/Tokyo projects reduced corn imports and feed consumption in MY2022/23 due to large outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as well as increased competition from domestic feed rice, followed by a recovery of corn consumption in MY2023/24.