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The South African retail food market is highly concentrated among the five largest companies, including Shoprite Holdings Ltd, Pick n Pay Retailers Pty Ltd, Spar Group Ltd, Massmart (Walmart-owned), and Woolworths Holdings Ltd.

China’s cherry production is forecast to increase by 12 percent to 760,000 MT in Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24 because of a rebound in production in Shandong, Sichuan, and Liaoning provinces.

Soybean imports are increased to 98 million metric tons (MMT) and 98.5 MMT in marketing year (MY) 22/23 and MY 23/24, respectively, on rebounding soybean meal (SBM) and soybean oil demand.

Post forecasts that, despite recent heavy rainfall in major producing provinces that has impacted quality, total wheat production in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be comparable in quantity to the previous year due to higher area planted and harvest completion in June.

South African production of oranges and lemons is projected to decrease in MY 2022/23 due to stagnated production area and a return to normal yield.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the second largest seed market in the world, behind the United States and annually plants 12 million metric tons (MMT) of seed, with a market value of U.S. $19 billion.

According to information published by the United Nations Joint Coordination Centre, as of June 20, 2023, approximately one-quarter of all grain and oilseed volumes shipped under the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) were destined for the People’s Republic of China (PRC); making it the single largest recipient of food and feed commodities.

On June 2, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) notified National Food Safety Standard Milk Powder and Modified Milk Powder to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1160/Add.1.

On March 15, 2012, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Health Commission released National Food Safety Standard for Use of Nutritional Fortification Substances in Foods (GB14880-2012), which entered into force on January 1, 2013.

On March 15, 2022, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Administration for Market Regulation and National Standardization Committee released National Food Safety Standard for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022), which entered into force on April 1, 2023.

On May 30, 2023, the State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) announced another extension to Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusions on 12 agricultural products, including shrimp for cultivation, whey for feed, fishmeal for feed, alfalfa and seven hardwood products through December 31, 2023.

On June 2, 2023, China notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1278/Add.1 the amended Entry and Exit Inspection and Quarantine Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-Export of China.