Browse Data and Analysis

Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: ATO Hong Kong and American agriculture support the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams...

On March 27, 2025, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard Edible Starch (GB 31637-2025).

FAS/Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s soybean imports in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (October – September) to increase by 5.0 percent from the previous marketing driven by a flexible exchange rate, the availability of forex and a more positive outlook for the livestock sectors.

Vietnam’s livestock and aquaculture sectors expanded in Calendar Year (CY) 2024 on steady economic growth and lower feed prices. Feed importers have increased purchases and diversified suppliers.

In MY 2023/24, Guatemala ranked as the world’s second most efficient sugarcane producer and fourth in overall sugar production efficiency. For MY 2025/26, production is forecast to remain steady, with planted and harvested areas unchanged from the previous two years, and growth expected in MY 2026/27.

Sugar production in 2025/26 is projected to reach 6.6 million tons, which is 13.7 percent higher than the 2024/25 estimated production. This increase is based on expectations for improved sugar content and average cane yield.

Ecuador's sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 is forecast to reach 513,000 metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 2023/24 estimate. Domestic consumption is forecast to remain stable with gradual increases expected in the coming years.

Sugar cane production in MY 2026 is forecast at 10.25 million metric tons while cane sugar production is forecast to reach 1.3 MMT. Sugar exports from Peru in MY 2026 are forecast at 150,000 MT while the United States is the principal destination under the U.S. sugar tariff-rate quota program.

Difficult growing conditions and a contracting domestic industry continue to pressure Greek cotton farmers and further its reliance on government subsidies for survival. Greece’s MY 2025/26 cotton production is forecast at 1.02 million bales, down 5.5 percent from the previous season due to lower planting.

The UK government is committed to signing a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU to ease post-Brexit trading frictions, but depending on the type of deal agreed, it may impact the UK’s ability to negotiate future Free Trade Agreements.

India’s fiber market is dominated by cotton, however, increased international demand for sustainable fibers is driving apparel and textile manufacturers to utilize hemp.

The General Office of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the "Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption" in March 2025.