Browse Data and Analysis

In 2024, Israel's technologically advanced, market-oriented economy achieved an annual GDP of $541.8 billion, with a modest growth of 0.9 percent. The food retail industry saw significant activity, with sales reaching $21 billion in 2024 and a projected growth of 5 percent in 2025.

Continuing economic growth; increasing tourism; a healthy hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector; and a growing population will lead the UAE’s wheat and rice consumption to grow in the 2025-2026 marketing year (MY).

In market year (MY) 2025/2026, FAS Bogota (Post) forecasts Colombia’s sugar production to recover to 2.3 million metric tons (MMT) due to improved weather conditions from the weakening of the La Niña phenomenon and expected normal weather patterns, positively impacting sugarcane yields and sucrose content.

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.

While small local grocers dominate the Egyptian retail market, representing more than 50 percent of sales by value, convenience and price will continue to drive the majority of Egyptian consumer buying decisions, presenting growth opportunities across all retail channels.

On March 5, 2025, Colombia's National Institute for the Surveillance of Food and Medicines (INVIMA) confirmed that starch is approved by the Colombian government as an additive for use as a thickener and stabilizer agent in fresh cheese.

In 2024, Taiwan's pet food market saw significant activity, with total imports reaching a record high of $276.8 million. Thailand continued to be the largest supplier of pet food to Taiwan, followed by the United States, South Korea, Canada, and Japan.

The United States remains the top international supplier to Colombia's food ingredients sector.

In MY2025/2026, Taiwan’s wheat imports are forecast at 1.38 MMT supported by Taiwan consumers’ preference for more diverse food offerings including wheat-based products and a vibrant baking industry.

Taiwan’s soybean imports are forecast at 2.65 MMT for MY2024/2025 and MY2025/2026, a slight increase from the previous MY.

Israel will continue to rely on imported feed and grains as it uses land and water resources for more cash crops. Due to poor weather conditions, Post forecasts Israel’s marketing year 2025/26 wheat production down (due to poor weather conditions) and imports up as production was limited.

Highly favorable winter growing conditions set Tunisia up for a well above average 2025 harvest. The wheat and barley crops have developed very well entering the most critical growing period in April.