The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended the export restriction on sugar beyond October 31, 2023, to an indefinite period. The export of sugar under the CXL concession quota with the United Kingdom and the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) with the United States are unaffected.

The restrictions apply to the export of raw, white, refined, and organic sugar under HS codes 17011490 and 17019990. The move could have significant implications for the sugar industry, as India is one of the world’s largest sugar producers and exporters.

The USDA report notes that the Indian government has not officially endorsed the report and that the information contained in the report is retrieved from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The report also cautions that price changes of any product are subject to market trends, production, government price support, and regulations as interpreted by Indian officials during the crop year.

The move is a continuation of a sugar export ban that was imposed between June 1 and October 31, 2022, which was subsequently extended to October 31, 2023. For the sugar marketing year (MY) 2022/23, India put the export cap at 6.1 million metric tons (MMT) of sugar, compared to previous years when the cap was set at 5 million MMT.

The report highlights that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) allocated 8,606 metric tons of raw value (MTRV) of cane sugar to India under the TRQ for fiscal year 2024 (from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024). The European Union also allocated the export of 5,841 MT of sugar from India for the same period.

The move by India to extend its sugar export restrictions indefinitely could have significant implications for the global sugar market. While the United States and the United Kingdom are exempt from the restrictions, other countries will be impacted. The move is a continuation of a previous export ban and highlights the challenges facing the sugar industry in India and around the world.

Photo by Plato Terentev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-asian-farmers-collecting-sugar-cane-in-countryside-5909696/

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Chile: Retail Foods

In 2022, the Chilean retail food industry witnessed a robust recovery, with total sales reaching approximately $29.5 billion, 20.9 percent over 2021. Supermarkets and grocery stores remained the primary retail channels for food products, accounting for around 55.5 percent of the market share. Chile has one of Latin America’s highest incomes per capita, at $28,887 PPP. There is good sales potential in the Chilean market for U.S. exports of craft beer, distilled spirits, beef cuts, poultry, pork, dairy products (cheeses and ice creams), sauces/mixes/condiments and seasonings, prepared food and frozen meals, snacks foods, and healthy food products.

Singapore: Retail Foods

Singapore’s food retail sector is highly developed and competitive. The industry is comprised of a range of large supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, “mom and pop” traditional stores, and specialty retailers. 

Thailand: Rice Price – Weekly

Export and domestic rice prices increased by 1-2 percent due to continued demand for Thai rice and the strengthening of the Thai baht.

Canada: Canada Consults on Pesticides Strategy

On June 20, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the next steps in its sustainable approach to pesticide management. As part of the announcement, Canada will restart the process of evaluating pesticide residue limits for increases, following a pause of this activity since August 2021. The announcement also included an announced ban on pesticides used for cosmetic purposes on federal lands as part of the Greening Government Strategy. Additionally, a Notice of Intent was published regarding strengthening the regulations of pest control products in Canada. The consultation remains open from June 20, 2023, to August 19, 2023.

Colombia: Update Sodium Regulation Compliance with Mandatory Third-Party Certifications in Colombia 

Starting July 13, 2023, a third-party certification issued by accredited certifying bodies will be mandatory to certify maximum sodium levels in processed products listed in Colombian Resolution 2013 of 2020. Since Resolution 2013 came into force in November 2022, listed processed products such as cheese, sauces, sausages, and ham were subject to a supplier’s self-declaration in order to be admitted to Colombia. The purpose of this report is to help guide U.S. exporters on how to work with accredited certifying bodies to issue third-party certificates on sodium, the services they render, and prices.

India: Cotton and Products Update June 2023

FAS Mumbai estimates marketing year (MY) 2023/24 India cotton production at 26 million 480 lb. bales on 12.7 million hectares planted, a decrease from the previous year on the expectation that farmers will shift cotton acreage to higher return crops such as oilseeds and pulses. MY 2023/24 cotton sowing is 14 percent lower than last year, predominately in central and southern India due to delayed southwest monsoon rains. The Government of India has increased their MY 2022/23 production estimate to 26.8 million 480 lb. bales, validating that farmers have improved their storage and holding capacity as evidenced by significant volumes of market arrivals late in the season. However, the recent announcement of a 10 percent increase in the MY 2023/24 minimum support price for long-staple cotton may prompt farmers to hold arrivals till new rates are effective from October onwards.

Japan: Updated Guide to New Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements of Japan 

From August 5, 2023, Japan will begin to strictly require phytosanitary certificates (PC) for a broad range of previously exempted agricultural imports. This report aims to provide further details of Japan’s new PC requirements.

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