Browse Data and Analysis

India is accepting comments on proposed revisions to its Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.

On September 30, 2025, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Molasses Order No. 1 (MO1), a moratorium on molasses imports following a surge in imports and spike in local output. While the moratorium is set to expire on December 31, 2025, the SRA said it can be extended or lifted depending on the stock balance. MO1 took effect on October 3, 2025.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan has proposed revisions to Japan’s specifications and standards for mineral waters by establishing compositional specifications and manufacturing standards for Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). By December 3, 2025, interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PPTRD@usda.gov for processed products.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed revisions for Japan’s maximum residue levels for seven agricultural chemicals (Benzyladenine, Isocycloseram, Phenmedipham, Pyflubumide, Quizalofop-ethyl and Quizalofop-P-tefuryl, Broflanilide, and Oxolinic acid) for various agricultural commodities.

On September 25, 2025, China released two Food Contact Materials Standards, including Coatings and Coating Layers for Food Contact Materials and Articles and Silicone Rubber Materials and Products for Use in Contact with Foods.

In marketing year (MY) 2025/2026, Colombia’s corn production is forecast to remain unchanged at 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) due to low domestic prices discouraging acreage expansion.

New Zealand fluid milk production for 2026 market year (MY) is forecast to remain stable at 21.9 million metric tons, reflecting the current favorable economic environment for the dairy sector.

Korea was the 5th largest country importer of the U.S. agricultural and related products in 2024. The United States is the leading supplier of imported consumer-oriented agricultural products for Korean retail industry, shipping $6.1 billion in 2024.

In 2024, Vietnam's economy rebounded with a GDP growth rate of 7.1 percent, while food retail sales grew by one percent, reaching $55.5 billion.

For five consecutive years – since 2020 – the Dominican Republic (DR) has placed as the third-largest export market by value for U.S. consumer-oriented products in the Western Hemisphere.

Colombia’s retail food sector continues to grow, driven by a diverse market structure and increasing consumer demand for value-added products. In 2024, Colombia remained the sixth largest destination for U.S. agricultural exports, reaching $4.4 billion, a 19 percent increase from 2023.

The retail food market in South Africa is dominated by the five largest companies: Woolworths Holdings Ltd., Walmart-owned Massmart, Spar Group Ltd., Pick n Pay Retailers Pty Ltd., and Shoprite Holdings Ltd. Together, they account for more than 60% of all food sales at retail establishments. In 2024, South Africa's retail food sales totaled $50 billion.