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Post increased its forecast for soybean planted area to 42.8 million hectares for 2021/22, up previously from 42.5 million hectares. Brazil continues to expand its area due to record high domestic soybean prices. Post forecasts a record harvest at 148.5 million metric tons (MMT), increased from 144 MMT previously with planting starting earlier this year as well.

This report provides the latest update regarding developments in Vietnam’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) food service sector and provides a road map for exporters wishing to enter the market. Vietnam’s HRI market continued to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 21 percent decline in revenue from $20.7 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2021.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (known as the Fødevarestyrelsen) has announced Denmark will lift its temporary ban on keeping mink as of January 1, 2023. The ban had initially been imposed for 2020/2021 for the sake of public health during the coronavirus pandemic and was later extended to include 2022.

FAS New Delhi (Post) lowers the market year (MY) 2022/2023 rice production forecast to 122 MMT on reduced plantings and yields in the major rice growing states in the Gangetic Plains as result of drought-like conditions.

The Philippines supplies only one percent of its total dairy requirement, which makes it a competitive market for imported dairy products. The United States and New Zealand are the top two suppliers, the U.S. being the leader. Post sees overall dairy imports recovering in 2022, as the economy reopens, most of the population becomes vaccinated, and business operations expand, all of which will accelerate dairy consumption.

India’s centrifugal sugar (sugar) production forecast in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 (October-September) is unchanged from the previous estimate of 35.8 million metric tons (MMT), equivalent to 33.4 MMT of crystal white sugar. Yields from favorable rainfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka are offset by slightly reduced production in Uttar Pradesh due to an erratic 2022 monsoon.

Export prices decreased 1-4 percent due to the further weakening of the Thai baht.

Post forecasts 2022/23 cotton area planted at 1.65 million hectares (ha), an increase of just over one percent from the 1.63 million ha cotton area estimate for 2021/22. Post’s forecast is based on expectations that despite challenges, such as risings costs and tightening margins, Brazilian producers are optimistic about the crop’s prospects, and eager to continue growing the sector.

After a summer of Dutch farmer protests, a much-anticipated independent report was presented to the government and public on October 5, 2022. In it, the government-appointed independent facilitator and former politician, Johan Remkes, presented his findings from talks he held with the government, the Dutch agricultural sector, industry, nature organizations, and others.

The current labor disputes at Transnet, South Africa’s state-owed port, rail and pipeline authority, have caused severe staff shortages at ports resulting in a significant slowdown of port operations and caused the company to declare fore majeure.

On September 14, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued directive F.No. STD/SP-18/T (Vegan Foods). The directive provides logo specifications for vegan foods.

On October 4, 2022, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) invited public comments on the proposed Basic Policy for Promoting Decarbonization of Aviation. The proposed policy identifies Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) introduction as a key strategy for reducing CO2 emissions in Japan’s aviation sector.