Browse Data and Analysis

On December 27, the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Investigation Bureau announced a safeguard investigation on global beef imports following a petition by the China Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA) and nine provincial animal agriculture associations.

Although Panama highlighted the use of biotechnology in its Agricultural State Policy Law 352 of 2023, Panama has not yet established the implementing regulations of Law 48 of 2002, which created the National Commission of Biosafety for Genetically Modified Organisms.

On October 28, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published a revised “National Standard for Seeds of Economic Crops – Part 2: Oil Species,” which will come into effect on October 1, 2025.

This report outlines how U.S. food and agriculture exporters engage with the hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector in Panama. This sector plays a vital role in Panama's economy and is driven by international tourism.

Following a recovery of the HRI sector in 2023 when catering revenue surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the Chinese food service sector faced slowing economic growth and reduced per-capita spending in 2024. Online sales and food delivery remain a key component for many restaurants, as well as social media to advertise and attract customers in this dynamic and complex market.

On November 4, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of 58 seed production and operational licenses, including 13 genetically engineered (GE) corn seed production and operational licenses.

On October 28, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published a revised “National Standard for Seed of Food Crops – Part 1: Cereals”, which will come into effect on October 1, 2025.

China’s raisin production is forecast to decline by 11 percent to 170,000 metric tons (MT) in Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25 because of lower grape production in Turpan in Xinjiang Province where persistent heat has affected pollination.

On October 28, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published the revised mandatory national standard “General Directive for the Labeling of Agricultural Seeds”, which will come into effect on October 1, 2025.

In 2024, China’s pet (dog and cat) consumer market reached $41.9 billion (302 billion yuan), an increase of 7.5 percent compared with 2023. Despite the economic headwinds faced by Chinese consumers, China’s pet consumer market demonstrated resilience and steady growth following a 10-year period of rapid growth.

Trade shows in China offer U.S. exporters valuable opportunities to connect with Chinese buyers. This report highlights vetted 2025 trade shows in China, including three USDA-endorsed trade shows, helping exporters showcase products and navigate market opportunities effectively.

On November 5-10, ATO Shanghai organized the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s largest expo for imported products. This was the second time for ATO to organize this pavilion with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.