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On March 7, 2023, the People's Republic of China (PRC) notified revised Maximum Levels (MLs) of Nitrite to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1276.

The drought in Andalucía is anticipated to prevent further expansion of Spain’s cotton area in MY 2023/24. Irrigation water allocation will be critical for farmer’s planting decisions, and temperatures and pest incidence during the summer months will also determine final yields.

On January 4, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Health Commission (NHC), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly announced the publication of a new National Food Safety Standard for 112 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in Foods.

On March 9, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published a Decision on Amending and Repealing Some Regulations (Draft for Comments) for seed variety registration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

On March 7, 2023, China’s Food Safety Standards Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the National Health Commission (NHC) released a letter soliciting public comments on the 2023 Plan for National Food Safety Standards.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is an increasingly important market for the United States pet food and related products industry.