Browse Data and Analysis

A large portion of Australia’s winter cropping area is well-positioned, heading into the forecast year. In New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, early seasonal conditions are favorable, indicating potential for strong wheat and barley production.

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.

Australia’s sugar production is forecast to decline to 3.8 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, down from an estimated 3.85 MMT in MY 2024/25, marking the lowest level of production in over a decade.

Cotton imports are forecast to grow by six percent to 7.6 million bales in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 based on expected growth in the textile and yarn sector.

On March 31, 2025, the Government of Vietnam (GVN) issued Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, reducing the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import tariff rates on corn, soybean meal, ethanol, frozen chicken drumsticks, in-shell pistachios, almonds, fresh apples, cherries, and raisins. The decree takes effect immediately.

This report highlights the food processing industry, its drivers, key players, and market landscape in the Caribbean Basin. The region relies heavily on imports, and the United States is the largest supplier of food ingredients.

The Vietnamese food processing industry grew by 7.4 percent in 2024 to $79.3 billion and food ingredient demand is expected to remain strong.

Vietnam’s soybean crushers are expanding capacity with new production lines coming online in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 marketing years.

Australian oilseed production, dominated by canola, is expected to be strong for the fifth consecutive season during the marketing year (MY) 2025/26.

After four successive years of big cotton crop production in Australia, the forecast for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 falls to 4.1 million bales, 13 percent above the previous 10-year average.

Australia's 2025 Federal Budget allocates significant funds to support and grow the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, with measures focused on climate resilience, trade, and food security, including funding for drought preparedness, emissions reduction, and market access.

Australian beef production and exports are forecast to reach record levels in 2025, building on the record export results achieved in 2024. This situation is similar to 2014 and 2015, when strong U.S. demand was driven by herd rebuilding leading to similar peaks in beef production and exports for Australia.