Browse Data and Analysis

Post forecasts Mexico’s sugar production at 5.4 million metric tons raw value (MMT-RV) for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (October 1 – September 30), 6 percent higher than the estimate for MY 2024/25. The increased production forecast is based on seasonal rains in several sugarcane-producing states during MY 2024/25 and an expected recovery of the planted area in MY 2025/26.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed revisions of Japan’s maximum residue levels for four agricultural chemicals (Butachlor, Etofenprox, Spinetoram, and Prallethrin) for various agricultural commodities.

Mexico's Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) is applied to both domestically produced and imported alcoholic beverages.

On April 1, 2025, Japan formally lifted the mandatory aflatoxin testing requirements on U.S. almonds compliant with the new almond export protocol.

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes.

Mexico's marketing year 2024/25 bean production is 41 percent higher than the record low of the previous year based on increased planted area. However, challenges persist such as adverse weather, limited access to quality seeds, and security issues in key production areas.

Japan's vegetable oil and protein feed markets are mature and stable. While surging commodity prices and the shipping crisis impacted Japan's oilseed and product imports in the past, the situation has normalized.

Mexico's gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed $1.8 trillion in 2024. The economy continues to grow, and it is driven by population growth, consumer demand for convenience, premium, and health-conscious products.

In the marketing year (MY) 2025/2026, Mexico is forecast to increase its oilseed crush due to rising demand for vegetable oil and animal feed.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of the Government of Japan (GOJ) convened a meeting of the “Food Sanitation Standards Council, Newly Developed Food Investigation Committee” on February 21, 2025, to discuss the establishment of food safety standards for cell cultured foods.

Mexico’s 2025 avocado production is forecast at 2.75 million metric tons (MMT), a three percent increase over 2024 on strong export demand. Exports are forecast at 1.34 MMT in 2025, up five percent year-on-year.

In 2024, Japan's food processing sector had a 3.9 percent increase in the value of food produced, totaling $174 billion. Production increases occurred in dairy, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and cocoa, and health foods.