Browse Data and Analysis

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.

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.

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.

Post forecasts that consumption and imports of corn, wheat and rice in Malaysia will slightly increase in Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24, in line with population growth and normalization of the market.

On February 28, 2023, Argentina’s National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) self-suspended poultry exports following the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry.

On March 2, 2023, the National Health Commission (NHC) announced approval of 28 new food materials and additives, of which six are enzymes derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs).

Despite being a small country, New Zealand is a major exporter of food and beverage products, and many of these products are manufactured in-country requiring inputs imported from other suppliers.

Since hitting peak numbers in 2016, the New Zealand national cattle herd has been very gradually declining and this is expected to continue in 2023.