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As the PRC dismantles it’s zero-COVID policy measures, there is great optimism about the economy and, particularly, the HRI sector. Stakeholders expect a rebound in travel to fuel recovery in hotels, restaurants, and other outlets.

On December 28, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) published Announcement No. 131 of 2022, indicating a change in classification of COVID-19 controls and management was forthcoming. The Announcement states...

On September 23, 2022, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) published 2022 Special Announcement Number 88 amending the customs clearance declaration requirements for importers or consignees of non-cold chain products to require a declaration on whether “preventive disinfection has been implemented” (according to the “Standards for On-site Disinfection Evaluation During the COVID-19 Epidemic” (WS/T 774-2021).

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (known as the Fødevarestyrelsen) has announced Denmark will lift its temporary ban on keeping mink as of January 1, 2023. The ban had initially been imposed for 2020/2021 for the sake of public health during the coronavirus pandemic and was later extended to include 2022.

Germany, the largest economy in the European Union, is a large and promising pet food market. Imports of pet food account for more than half of the total market. While the market is mature and somewhat saturated, it is steadily growing.

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.

At a recent Beijing municipal press conference, authorities announced that effective April 1, 2022, imported cold-chain food products will be rejected if shipped into Beijing without prior inspection appointments at a Beijing Entry Checkpoint.

Hong Kong continues to take random tests on imports of chilled and frozen foods and their packaging for the COVID-19 virus.

On January 30, 2022, China's State Council released two updated technical guidelines for preventing and controlling COVID-19 in cold-chain food.

The upward trend of the organic food market in the European Union (EU) continues. EU organic sales reached record highs in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has become an additional driver in further boosting organic sales.

Germany is the second largest organic market in the world. It holds good prospects for U.S. organic products, including tree nuts, fruits and vegetables, and processed food products.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria’s already high organic sales increased significantly as consumers focused even more on their diet and what they regard as healthy and sustainable.