Browse Data and Analysis

In 2021, Chinese imports of alfalfa pellets hit record levels of 52,254 metric tons (MT) and $13.66 million by value, increases of 62 percent and 70 percent respectively. The market is dominated by Spanish-origin pellets.

On May 23, 2022, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Brazil held High-Level Committee talks. According to the press release issued by the PRC’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on May 24, the talks included several agricultural-related outcomes including, improved and new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) market access protocols for corn and hulled peanuts along with plans for new SPS protocols on soy protein concentrate, soybean meal, and orange fiber pellets that may be signed later.

Several Chinese provinces are experimenting with the utilization of nine Chinese medicines, including American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), for use in food products. The pilot programs are open through November 2022. At this time, American ginseng is regulated as a traditional medicinal product. If American ginseng is approved for use in food products, this could create additional opportunity for both imported product and spur domestic production.

On May 10, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued the “14th Five-Year Plan for Bioeconomic Development,” with the intention to accelerate breakthroughs and achieve scientific and technological self-reliance in four key areas of bioeconomic development, including bio-agriculture and bioenergy.

A recent industry survey in one of China’s leading provinces for textile and apparel manufacturing highlights the negative impact of the PRC’s zero-tolerance COVID policy in the world’s largest cotton market and area economy. According to survey results, production estimates are down, costs are higher, and deliveries are delayed.

Ranked No.1 in both the facility registration by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) and the feed product registration by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), the United States accounts for 20 percent of Chinese imported pet food market share and is poised to expand.

On April 29, 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) events.

GACC recently released an interpretation of Decrees 248 and 249 as they apply to health food and foods for special dietary purposes. This report provides an unofficial translation of the interpretation.

Post forecasts that sugar cane production in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) will increase by 2 percent, to 5.3 million metric tons (MT) in the 2022/23 MY, based on good rainfall, increased available irrigation water, normal weather conditions, expanded planted area and consistent cane yields.

The plan includes measures and laws related to food and agriculture, including infant formula, foods for special medical purposes, geographic indications, and for the adoption of industry or international standards.

MY 2021/22 estimates for production, trade, and consumption are all revised downward.