Browse Data and Analysis

Post forecasts marketing year 2023/24 production at 1.1 million 480-bales, a 30 percent decline compared to the previous year due to higher input costs and lack of access to new genetically engineered seed varieties.

On July 28, 2023, the Government of Mexico (GOM) notified a revised NOM-187 to the World Trade Organization and opened a 60-day comment period. NOM-187 establishes the sanitary and commercial requirements for products made from nixtamalized corn and for the establishments that produce these products.

Post estimates that South Africa will produce a record rapeseed (locally called canola) crop of 220,000 metric tons in marketing year 2023/24.

Beef and pork production in 2024 is forecast to increase due to stronger producer returns from lower feed prices, as well as increased domestic and international demand.

The following report is the latest in a series of ‘snapshots’ of specific Mexican markets for U.S. food and beverage products, prepared by the Agricultural Trade Offices (ATOs) in Mexico City and Monterrey.

South Africa is the third largest exporter of canned fruits (apricots, pears, and peaches) globally, accounting for 16 percent of the market.

South Africa is currently harvesting its second largest corn crop in history and a fourth consecutive bumper crop. This creates a bearish outlook on local corn prices and will limit an expansion in the area to be planted with corn in marketing year (MY) 2023/24.

On May 21, 2023, the South African Minister of Health issued a Government Notice (R.3337) inviting public comments on a draft regulation relating to the labelling and advertising of food products under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No.54 of 1972).

On July 10, 2023, the Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) published in the Official Gazette a collection of comments/concerns/suggestions received for the proposed Official Mexican Standard NOM-187-SSA1/SE-2021, originally published on February 15, 2022.

On July 3, 2023, the Mexican Secretariat of Health proposed changes to the existing NOM-187 published in 2003.

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.

Mexico, with its growing population, market-oriented agricultural and food sectors, and 2,000-mile land border with the United States, is the second-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products.