Browse Data and Analysis

Vietnam’s cotton imports for marketing year 2024/25 (MY 2024/25) are estimated at 6.8 million bales, up 4 percent over MY 2023/24 based on an expected recovery in global demand for textiles and garments by late 2024.

Biodiesel production is expected to remain flat in Malaysia at 1.58 billion liters, as the country is likely to remain at a B10 blend rate as B20 and B30 mandate goals have not advanced.

The Government of Vietnam (GVN) issued Decree 144/2024/ND-CP on November 1, 2024, lowering Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rates on soybean meal to one percent from two percent. The Decree will enter into force on December 16, 2024.

There have been no major changes to Malaysia's biotechnology regulations in the past year. The country continues to review its Biosafety Act, including how it will regulate gene edited products in the future. Malaysia currently has 61 genetically engineered (GE) products approved for import.

This report provides an unofficial translation of Vietnam's Government Decree 120/2024, issued on September 30, 2024.

Growth in the agricultural sector slowed in the first nine months of 2024 due to extreme weather, particularly Typhoon Yagi, which severely affected crop cultivation and livestock farming.

Vietnam’s food retail market consisted of over 665,000 outlets generating sale revenue of $55 billion in 2023, up four percent compared to 2022. Although the global economic downturn has slowed growth, key retailers remain optimistic about the potential of Vietnam's retail market.

Post forecasts Malaysia’s palm oil production in MY 24/25 at 19.2 million metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 23/24 projections due to delayed effects of the El Niño season.

Post maintains Vietnam’s soybean meal consumption forecast for the marketing year (MY) 2023/24 at 5.85 million tons, aligned with feed consumption. It expects consumption to rise to 6.1 million tons in 2024/25 due to increased demand for animal and aquafeed.

After strong growth in 2023, the food retail sector is expected to see moderate but positive growth in the remainder of 2024. Expansion of convenience stores and small format retail outlets continues, while premium supermarkets have also expanded.

Hai Phong is Vietnam’s third largest city with a rising population of over 2 million. Notably, it is the largest port city in northern Vietnam, containing three main terminals within the Hai Phong port hub.

Uruguayan beef exports in 2025 are forecast to remain unchanged at 475,000 tons carcass weight equivalent (cwe). The final volume will depend on how active Chinese buyers are the remainder of the year and FOB prices. Exports to the United States are projected to remain high.