Browse Data and Analysis

The PRC National Standard (Guo Jia Biao Zhun, or 'GB') for Natural Casings - GB/T7740-2022 was issued on October 12, 2022, and implemented on May 1, 2023.

On March 19, 2024, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Crop Variety Registration Committee (CNCVRC) published a second variety registration list for genetically modified (GM) corn and soybeans.

On March 13, 2024, the National Health Commission (NHC) announced approval of 23 new food materials and additives, of which three are products derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs).

From September 26 to 27, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Energy Administration (NEA) organized a meeting on pilot programs for biodiesel promotion and application in Shanghai to learn relevant experience and practices, exchange and analyze the development of the country’s biodiesel industry, and study and deploy next steps.

In market year (MY) 2024/2025, Colombia’s corn production is forecast to decrease to 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) influenced by lower domestic corn prices and dissuading farmers from expanding corn cultivation.

Ghana continues to demonstrate its conviction that proven science-based advanced technologies remain viable options in the global efforts to achieve food security in the face of various production constraints like climate change.

The Canadian cattle herd continues its sustained contraction in 2024. A smaller beef cow inventory will see the 2024 calf crop decline. Improved cattle prices may signal improved heifer retention if moisture conditions and pastures improve, or producers could see this as an opportune time to maximize exiting the industry during a time of better returns.

Soybean imports for marketing year (MY) 24/25 are forecast to reach 103 million metric tons (MMT). Increased soybean meal (SBM) inclusion rates due to competitive prices, stable demand in the poultry sector, and growing demand in aquaculture is expected to offset weaker demand in the swine sector due to forecast declining production in MY 23/24 and MY 24/25.

Indonesia palm oil production is forecast to rise marginally to 47 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024/25 on expected recovery from extreme weather in 2023.

Lower feed prices are expected to boost producer profits in 2024, thereby increasing domestic beef and pork production. Beef imports are forecast to decrease, and pork imports are expected to remain nearly flat.

Following a gradual decline in the national cattle herd over the previous years, breeding cow numbers for beef and dairy are looking to stabilize in 2024. At the end of 2023, a new national coalition government was elected.

FAS/Tokyo forecasts an increase in corn imports and consumption in MY2023/24 and MY2024/25 due to softening global prices and the rebound of the layer population following the recovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks.