Browse Data and Analysis

In 2021, Taiwan production of forage crops accounted for 45 percent of demand. Taiwan imports approximately 300,000 tons of forage products annually to supplement domestic production, which is constrained by limited farmland and suitable climate conditions.

Japan's decline in farmland, combined with a shortage of agricultural labor, changes in consumer diets, and the opening of the Japanese market, have boosted imports of many agricultural products. This report looks at the long terms trends in production area and agricultural production in Japan, and its impact on agricultural trade.

Posts forecasts that marketing year (MY) 2022/23 rice production will increase for the third consecutive year due to available water supply and abundant precipitation. High prices of chemical fertilizers and other inputs will likely impact corn production and yield as farmers apply less chemical fertilizer this season.

Rice export prices decreased 1-2 percent due to the weakening of the Thai baht.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 9 agricultural chemicals (Fosthiazate, Mepanipyrim, Pyrifluquinazon, Tolclofos-methyl, Diaveridine, Glycalpyramide, Sulfathiazole, Tiopronin and Enramycin) for various agricultural commodities.

Taiwan is the third largest export market for U.S. peaches and nectarines and the fifth largest export market for U.S. cherries. In MY 2021/22, Taiwan imported 16,330 MT of fresh peaches/ nectarines and 13,851 MT of fresh cherries. The U.S. share of the import market is around 70 percent for peaches/nectarines and 42 percent for cherries.

Post forecasts Burmese rice exports lower in August due to fewer supplies in the domestic market, higher domestic prices, lower anticipated production, and changes to foreign currency policies. Domestic prices for both Emata and Shwe Bo Pawsan rose significantly.

Despite pandemic challenges China remains a prime destination for imported consumer food products. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the country's retail landscape as e-commerce companies gained ground over traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Online platforms also extended the reach of imported products into second-and third-tier cities.

This report reflects updates on the Food law in Section I, Food Labeling in Section II, and import procedures Section IX.

This report lists the major certificates required by Burmese government agencies for U.S. agricultural products exported to Burma. The list of certificates primarily focuses on major U.S. agricultural exports to Burma, such as soybeans and soybean meal, wheat products, distillers dried grains with solubles, meat and poultry products, fruits and vegetables, other grocery items, and seeds.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries proposed to revise the Geographical Indication (GI) Act to boost exports of GI-protected processed foods. Comment period ends on September 1, 2022.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries released 2030 targets for its “Green Food System Strategy,” including a 10.6 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, a 20 percent reduction in use of chemical fertilizers, and a 10 percent reduction in use of chemical pesticides.