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New Zealand is an important market in the Pacific for U.S. agricultural products. In 2020, despite logistical and other challenges as a result of COVID-19, New Zealand’s imports continued strong and included US$ 575 million of U.S. agricultural products.

The State Administration for Market Regulation issued a revised draft of the General Standard for Nut and Seed Food for domestic comment.

Hong Kong traders complain about ongoing issues with global shipping logistics and resulting disruptions on supply chains.

This report is an update on U.S. Government efforts to inform industry and facilitate trade as China prepares to implement Decrees 248 and 249. FAS China will continue to provide information on the implementation of the decrees as it becomes available.

Given the small scale of urban farming in Japan, urban agricultural production is unlikely to impact U.S. agricultural priorities in Japan but may offer limited opportunities for exports of specific U.S. commodities.

On November 12, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published its "Decision to Revise the Administrative Measures for the Safety Assessment of Agricultural GMOs” on its website.

On October 27, 2021, China notified the National Food Safety Standard of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 41 Veterinary Drugs in Food to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as G/SPS/N/CHN/1233. The deadline for comment submissions is December 26, 2021.

The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on November 10, 2021 issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 112-2021, clarifying that all imported unprocessed fruits and vegetables are exempt from the 12 percent value-added tax.

The Government of Vietnam (GVN) issued Decree 101/2021/ND-CP on November 15, 2021, revising Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rates on corn, wheat, pork, and planting seeds.

On October 22, 2021, China notified a revised draft standard of the National Food Safety Standard - General Rules for Nutritional Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB28050-xxxx) to the World Trade Organization as G/SPS/N/CHN/1165 Addendum 1.

Effective November 12, 2021, ready-to-eat oysters harvested from Samish Bay in Washington State are once again eligible for export to Hong Kong following a ban imposed on July 2021.

On November 12, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published its "Decision on Amending Some Seed Industry Regulations (Draft for Comments)" on its website.