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Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) opened a public comment period for 28 proposed geographical indications (GIs) for food products from the United Kingdom.

The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), which entered into force on January 1, 2020, improved market access for U.S. products through the creation of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for food wheat, wheat products, malt, processed cheese, whey, glucose and fructose, potato starch, corn starch, and inulin.

On December 3, 2021, China notified 733 maximum residue limits (MRLs) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1242. The deadline for comment submission is February 1, 2022. The proposed date of entry into force is to be determined.

On September 16, 2021 China applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Although faced with institutional obstacles for joining the CPTPP, China-based experts have noted that accession to the CPTPP could quicken economic development and trade liberalization by meeting the agreement's high-standards and progressive requirements.

On October 11, 2021, China’s State Standardization Committee published an amended National Standard for Feed Material – Fish Meal (GB/T 19164-2021).

Japan imports approximately 500,000 metric tons of malt annually, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of total demand. While overall beer consumption is declining, malt demand is expected to rebound from a down year in 2020 and steadily grow in subsequent years, reflecting strong demand for malt in craft beer and whiskey production.

Fresh citrus production is expected to increase in MY2021/2022 across all categories: oranges, tangerines and mandarins, and grapefruit.

Post increases the MY 21/22 estimate for milled rice production to 12.5 million MT on positive first-quarter production data while holding imports unchanged.

Healthy eating is the growing trend in Hong Kong embraced by both the government and the general public. In this context, the Hong Kong government is encouraging the trade to use less salt and sugar for foods by introducing a voluntary “Salt/Sugar” label scheme for prepackaged food products.

Japan’s mandarin production continues to decline amidst labor shortages and reduced consumption. Shipping challenges and rising prices are projected to reduce the consumption of largely imported oranges and grapefruit.

Citrus production in Australia has experienced favorable conditions after above average rainfalls in all of the major growing areas across 2020 and 2021.

FAS/Tokyo expects Japan’s imports of bioethanol to stay steady in line with Japan’s long-standing annual target for on-road biofuel of 500 million liters crude oil equivalent which is entirely fulfilled by bioETBE.