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Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency invites public comments on its newly proposed guidelines for “additive-free” labeling. The comment period will close on January 21, 2022 (Japan Standard time).

As the United States' eighth-largest export market for food and agricultural products, Taiwan imported $3.32 billion of food and agricultural products from the United States in 2020. Taiwan relies on imports of various food products that are not locally produced or not produced in sufficient volumes, which makes it a land full of opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural suppliers.

Export prices of most grades of rice decreased one percent as the Thai baht weakens.

Chile is the largest market in South America for U.S. consumer-oriented agricultural products. The United States is the second largest supplier of agricultural and related products to Chile, after Argentina.

Germany launched a lobbyist registry on January 1, 2022. Registration is required for anyone who contacts members of the parliament or the federal government to influence the political process. This report gives an overview about the lobbyist registry and registration requirements.

On December 31, 2021, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the first stage of 2022 meat and poultry quotas by HS code for historic suppliers (i.e., importers). The first stage approved the distribution of 2,835 tons of beef and 31,500 tons of poultry.

On January 11, 2021, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that India and the United States agreed to a framework that will implement market access for a number agricultural products from both countries.

On November 24, 2021, the Indian government approved the extension of the additional free food grains scheme through March 31, 2022. With this extension, an additional 16 million metric tons (MMT) of grains will be released from government stocks.

Bulgaria acceded to the European Union (EU) in 2007 and follows EU directives and regulations pertaining to food safety, quality, and standards. This report outlines applicable legislation regarding U.S. food-product exports to Bulgaria, particularly those rules which differ from EU legislation.

China's formidable food processing sector remains vibrant despite the challenges posed by the COVID- 19 pandemic. However, COVID-19 import control measures hamper trade. Despite this, China can be an attractive destination for U.S. ingredients. Products with significant sales potential include cheese, tree nuts, dried and frozen fruit, and pulses.

On January 10, 2022, the King of the Netherlands swore in the new Dutch Cabinet of twenty Ministers and nine State Secretaries. The new Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is Henk Staghouwer. He is member of the Christian Union (CU), a protestant party, with a left wing orientation on environmental issues.

Japan invites public comments on the newly developed Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) for miso (fermented soybean paste). Comments are due on January 25, 2022 (Japan standard time).