Browse Data and Analysis

On larger than expected production loss related Indonesia’s palm oil export ban policy, Post revises down Indonesia palm oil production to 44.7 million ton (MMT) for 2022/23 and updates 2021/22 production to 43.2 MMT. Soybean imports for 2022/23 are forecast at 2.6 MMT on continued demand from tofu and tempeh producers.

The United States Becomes Hong Kong’s Top Ginseng Supplier; Hong Kong Travel Agency Predicts Comeback of Travel Business; Finance Minister Confident in Hong Kong’s Economic Fundamentals; Hopes for Normalcy Drive Sales of Hong Kong Shops; Macau to Ditch ‘Gambling Hub’ Image in Next Decade; Macau’s GDP Dropped 33 Percent to $4.6 Billion in Third Quarter

Vietnam cotton imports in marketing year 2021/22 (MY21/22) decreased 9 percent year on year to roughly 1.4 million metric tons (MMT) with a 30-percent higher value at $3.5 billion, according to Vietnam Customs data.

Since 2019, Taiwan took a cautious attitude regarding the COVID-19 pandemic but is now finally loosening its border controls and mask mandates. Unlike during the pandemic when people were more inclined to cook at home, now consumers are again looking for quick and convenient food and beverage options.

Marketing year (MY) 2022/23 China's frozen French fry (FFF) exports are estimated at 84,000 metric tons (MT), approximately 12 percent higher than the previous year.

On November 28, 2022, the State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) extended the Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusions on 11 agricultural products, including shrimp for cultivation, whey for feed, fishmeal for feed, alfalfa, and six hardwood products. TC.

Hong Kong is revising its residue limits for heavy metals and pesticides in Chinese herbal medicines in adherence with China’s Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition). Effective December 31, 2023, ginseng products will be subject to revised limits on heavy metals. Stricter limits for DDT (pesticides) will be conducted in two phases starting December 31, 2026.

Market uncertainty and price volatility in international markets led to flour mills importing more wheat in 2021/22 to hold them over in case of future shortages. Therefore, Post revises 2021/22 wheat imports to 11.3 MMT, up 12 percent from its previous estimate of 10.7 MMT.

Export prices increased 1-6 percent.

In 2021, Taiwan was the sixth largest export market for U.S. food and agricultural products, valued over $3.78 billion. Imported food and agricultural products must comply with a range of laws designed to protect human health and prevent the introduction of animal and plant pests or diseases.

This report lists major export certificates required by the Taiwan government to export food and agricultural products to Taiwan. For more information on import requirements, see the Taiwan Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report.

Malaysia’s Biosafety Act 2007 and Biosecurity Regulations are currently under review by the Department of Biosafety. As of September 2022, 57 genetically engineered (GE) products have been approved for import, an increase of 14 percent from 2021.