Browse Data and Analysis

On September 25, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), National Health Commission (NHC) announced a list of 85 updated National Food Safety Standards and 3 amendments. The updated standards will enter into force on March 6, 2024.

China is the world’s largest livestock and rice producer, as well as a major user and producer of fertilizer, making its agricultural sector a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

South Africa is currently facing the worst outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since 2017 with seven of the nine provinces in the country reporting outbreaks.

Post forecasts China's MY2023/24 grain feed and residual use to increase slightly and corn production also slightly higher due to a larger planted area and improved yields.

Post forecasts South African raw sugar production at 2.17 million MT in MY 2023/24, up 9 percent from 2 million MT in MY 2022/23, based on an increase in the quantity of cane delivered to the mills and consistent milling efficiencies.

MY 2022/23 China’s sugar imports declined due to escalating world prices. Following suit, Chinese sugar prices spiked at the highest levels since 2012.

The hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector in South Africa is gradually beginning to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but challenges remain due to frequent power outages, known as load shedding, and rampant food price inflation.

On September 18, 2023, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) published draft Provisions on the Protection of Geographic Indication (GI) Products for public comment.

FAS China forecasts commercial production of in-shell walnuts to remain unchanged from the previous year at 1.4 MMT in MY 2023/24. Cold winter temperatures in Xinjiang damaged the almond crop this year.

On August 7, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) notified Measures for the Quarantine Administration of Imported Plant Propagation Materials (Revised Version) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1282.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC), State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and Standardization Administration have published the final version of National Standard for Soybeans (GB1352-2023), which will take effect on December 1, 2023.

On September 15, 2023, China notified an amendment to the National Food Safety Standard for Restricting Excessive Packaging for Foods and Cosmetics (GB 23350-2021) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/TBT/N/CHN/447/Add.2.