Browse Data and Analysis

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.

Modest growth in the animal protein sector is expected to raise China’s soybean imports to 97 million metric tons (MMT) in Marketing Year (MY) 23/24. The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) removal of COVID-related restriction in December 2022 is expected to boost overall oilseed consumption.

Indonesia palm oil production for 2023/24 is forecast at 46 million metric tons (MMT), an increase of 3 percent from the previous year.

On June 30, 2022, the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) released the National Food Safety Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (GB 2762-2022), which will enter into force on June 30, 2023.

Japan is one of the world’s leading consumers of seafood. In 2022, it imported $15 billion of seafood products, making it the world’s third largest importer. Half of Japan’s seafood demand is met by imports. The United States is the third largest seafood supplier to Japan, specializing in salmon, cod, pollock, herring, crab, and lobster.

In 2022, Spain imported $2.1 billion worth of agricultural, seafood and forest products from the United States, up 27 percent compared to the previous year. After high rates of consumer price inflation in 2022, the latest European Union economic forecast shows Spain’s economic growth forecast at 1.4 percent in 2023 and 2.0 percent in 2024.

Post forecasts that MY2023/24 rice production will reach a five-year record of 20.4 million metric tons due to abundant water supplies and attractive farm-gate prices.

Rice export prices decreased 1 percent as new supplies of MY2022/23 off-season rice continued entering the market.

The UK has a large, well-developed food processing industry, requiring a wide range of ingredients, from low-value, highly processed food to high-value, lightly processed ingredients. This provides many opportunities for U.S. exporters, including wellness and health products.

On March 13, 2023, China notified 421 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1277. The proposed date of entry into force is to be determined.