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On June 28, 2024, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) announced that imported plant-based feed, plant-based fertilizers and cultivation media, plant-based Chinese medicinal materials, tobacco leaves, fresh vegetables, fishmeal for feed, and animal skins no longer require inspection and quarantine approval.

This report has been updated to reflect the newest information and contacts relevant to exporting to South Africa. The Food and Agricultural Import Regulation and Standards (FAIRS) Certificate Report includes a list of the main certificates and permits needed to export food and agricultural products to South Africa.

The FAIRS Annual Country Report has been updated and summarizes the rules and regulations governing the import of food and agricultural products in South Africa. This report should be read in conjunction with the FAIRS Export Certificate Report to gain a thorough grasp of South African laws, standards, and import requirements.

Major specialty crops exported from the United States to the People’s Republic of China in 2023 include tree nuts ($1.2 billion), fresh fruit ($86 million), processed fruit ($70 million) and processed vegetables ($35 million).

Soybean production for MY 24/25 is forecast at 19.6 million metric tons (MMT) based on planted area of 9.95 million hectares (Mha). The relatively low and declining soybean meal (SBM) prices since the beginning of MY 23/24 could encourage more SBM use in feed production.

This report covers peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Despite a persistent drought in northern China, production of peaches and nectarines is expected to gain slightly in MY 2024/25 to 17.6 MMT. Cherry production is estimated to continue increasing by 9 percent in MY 2024/25 to 850,000 MT on expanded area and increased bearings.

On June 28, 2024, China notified a supplemental Entry Plant Quarantine Pests List to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1301. China’s SPS Enquiry Point at sps@customs.gov.cn will accept comments on the draft until August 27, 2024. This report provides an unofficial translation of the Announcement and includes the additional pests list as an attachment. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation and provide comment as necessary.

China is a leading producer of food and agricultural products in the world and one of the top markets for U.S. agricultural exports. Despite China’s slower-than expected economic recovery in 2023, demand for U.S. agricultural and food products remain strong with imports of consumer-oriented products totaling $84 billion.

Higher feed demand from broiler, aquaculture, and ruminants will push total feed use slightly higher in MY2024/25 with greater corn inclusion into feed rations than previous years. MY2024/25 corn production is forecast larger than MY2023/24 with larger yields.

On June 27, 2024, China’s Food Safety Standards Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the National Health Commission (NHC) released a letter soliciting public comments on fourteen National Food Safety Standards and related regulations.

South Africa is one of the most advanced and varied economies in Africa, boasting a strong business sector and advanced distribution networks to major urban centers in the country and throughout the entire Southern African region.

On April 30, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released an announcement on the Technical Requirements for Health Food Product Filing with Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Ganoderma Lucidum as Ingredients.