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Post forecasts Japan’s 2023 chicken meat production rises marginally and overcomes surging production costs as strong demand for chicken is driven by recovery in the food service industry under a boost from returning international tourism.

Australia’s table grape production is expected to increase to 210,000 MT in marketing year (MY) 2022/23, from an estimated 180,000 metric tons (MT) in MY 2021/22. This is with the expectation of slightly improved harvest labor availability and better seasonal conditions at harvest. Despite expanded vine plantings in recent years now coming into fruiting, production has been hindered by challenges.

The Australian consumer foodservice industry is valued at A$54 (US$41) billion. Australia’s commercial foodservice sector is a competitive market and with an ageing population, the institutional foodservice sector (aged care, hospitals, etc.) continues to grow. Most industry operators in the hotel and resort sector derive a significant portion of revenue from the sale of meals and beverages prepared at onsite restaurants.

FAS Bangkok forecasts that growth in chicken meat production and consumption will be 2-3 percent in 2022 and 2023. The anticipated slow recovery in domestic consumption and high production costs caused by supply disruption on feed grains and day-old chicks will keep the growth rate below the pre-pandemic average annual growth rate.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries invites public comments on the proposed revision of the Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) for soybean milk products. Comments must be submitted in Japanese by October 8, 2022.

FAS/Tokyo projects 2023 cattle stocks to expand to 3.995 million metric tons (MT) following increased production in 2021 and 2022. In the dairy sector, cow slaughter continues to increase in 2022 to adjust for excess capacity and overproduction of milk. FAS/Tokyo forecasts 2023 beef production to remain flat from 2022 at 490,000 MT.

FAS Tokyo estimates MY2022/23 wheat and rice production in Japan to decrease from last year's bumper crop due to poor weather conditions in major production regions. Due to favorable weather, Post estimates the MY2022/23 barley crop to increase from MY2021/22.

Demand for Thai rice pushes export prices higher despite the weakening of the Thai baht.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a major effect on the Hotel, Restaurant, Institutional (HRI) sector in New Zealand. This is especially true of the tourism and hospitality sectors which have been severely hit by the closed international borders.

On September 19, 2022, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) published 2022 Special Announcement Number 88 amending the customs clearance declaration requirements for importers or consignees of non-cold chain products.

Taiwan's food service sector suffered a second year of decline due to the pandemic's negative effects as well as food ingredient and logistic cost inflations. Nevertheless, the US continue to be the leading supplier of various ingredients used in the market, such as beef, poultry, and cheese.

Japan held the first public meeting of the expert committee to update Japan’s biofuel target. Japan’s current on-road biofuel target expires in March 2023.