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The People's Republic of China (PRC) is preparing for commercial cultivation of domestically developed genetically engineered (GE) crops.

On November 21, 2022, the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MARA) released the People's Republic of China Plant Variety Protection Regulations (Revised Draft for Comments) (Chinese) for public comment.

On September 29, China notified the draft National Food Safety Standard on Food Additive Morpholine Fatty Acid Salt Fruit Wax to the WTO SPS Committee as G/SPS/N/CHN/1251, which intends to replace the existing National Food Safety Standard of the same title issued on August 31, 2016 (GB1886.227-2016).

In 2023, dairy product imports are forecast to remain near 2022 levels but a number of factors, including high global dairy prices, increased domestic production, and a weak economic outlook could weigh heavily on trade. Raw milk production in 2023 is expected to reach nearly 41.7 million metric tons (MMT).

China’s avocado production and imports are estimated to grow as the demand for high-quality fresh avocados continue to rise. Top consumers are females, under 35 years of age, and residing in first-tier cities.

China’s apple and pear production is expected to drop by 11 percent and 5 percent, respectively, on year to 41 MMT and 17.85 MMT in MY 2022/23, because of weather abnormalities and farmers reducing acreage of bearing trees. Table grape production is estimated to continue increasing by 5 percent to 12.6 MMT on improved crop management. Apple imports will likely rebound strongly due to consumer demand for new varieties developed by major suppliers. Table grape imports will further decline because of the improved quantity and quality of domestic supplies.

FY2022 agricultural exports reach record levels.

China’s marketing year (MY) 22/23 soybean production is forecast to reach a near-record 19 million metric tons (MMT) on higher yields. Post maintains forecasted MY 22/23 soybean imports at 96.5 MMT on higher demand for soybean meal (SBM) for swine and poultry and vegetable oil demand for food sector use. Import growth is forecast to be partially constrained by higher domestic soybean production, ongoing sales of state reserve soybeans, and ongoing uncertainty regarding People’s Republic of China (PRC) COVID restrictions.