United States: The following GAIN reports were released on July 7, 2023, by the US Foreign Agricultural Service.
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’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.
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.
