| The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Austria: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Austria, as a member of the European Union (EU), applies EU regulations to the imports of agricultural products. U.S. export certification requirements for most products destined for the EU are harmonized. The few products which are not harmonized are subject to national regulations. Importers or exporters may need to consult with Austrian authorities to address import requirements for non-harmonized products on a case-by-case basis.
Despite COVID-19, Bangladesh's cotton imports increased 9 percent in marketing year (MY) 2019/2020, to 7.5 million bales [or 1.63 million metric tons (MMT)]. Bangladesh's high demand during the first half of the marketing year combined with success in combating the COVID-19 outbreak has allowed textile and garment companies to maintain operations, despite a few short-term disruptions. U.S. cotton exports to Bangladesh in MY19/20 reached 230 thousand metric tons (TMT), up 28.9 percent over MY18/19. The U.S. cotton market share was approximately 14 percent in MY19/20, which is second to India's 23 percent market share. For MY20/21, Post estimates Bangladesh's cotton imports will slightly decrease to 7.1 million bales, given the uncertainty in global demand and relatively low import numbers in the first months of MY2020/21.
Public support for agricultural biotechnology in Belgium is roughly divided between the Wallonia and Flemish regions with the latter more receptive. The Flemish region is home to a leading research institution on biotechnology that supports much of the country's experimental field trials as there is no commercial genetically engineered (GE) crop production in Belgium. The poultry and livestock sectors remain reliant on imported GE commodities for animal feed. Boasting the capital of the EU, Brussels, Belgium is also home to a wide range of organizations trying to influence the EU's innovation agenda.
Belgium is a Member State of the European Union (EU) and applies the certification requirements described in the European Union Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Certification Report. Products not yet harmonized are subject to Belgian national rules.
This report provides updated contact information for Greece and gives an overview of Greek food laws in the EU context. It is recommended to read the EU-28 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards, to obtain a fuller understanding of EU laws as Greece is a member of the European Union and follows its directives and regulations.
India's market year (MY) 2020/21 apple and pear production are estimated at 2.3 million metric tons (MMT) and 305,000 metric tons (MT), respectively, as unfavorable weather conditions during the flowering stage have led to reduced yields from MY 2019/20. Apple and pear imports for 2020/21 are forecast at 0.24 MMT and 22,500 MT, respectively. Table grape production is expected to marginally increase to 2.3 MMT, while Indian table grape exports are expected to decline, largely to meet domestic demand. Fresh deciduous fruit demand remains stable, and the COVID-19 pandemic that influenced consumer behavioral changes will continue to drive fruit consumption through both online and physical retail.
On December 18, 2020, the Government of India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued new regulations and standards for alcoholic beverages. These regulations include updated requirements for low alcoholic beverages including craft beers, alcohol-free beer and winebased beverages, geographical indications, and labelling requirements for wine. The regulations are effective immediately, but industry stakeholders will have until July 1, 2021 to comply with the provisions.
On December 22, 2020, the Government Of India's (GOI), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways published a Draft Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) containing procedural and safety requirements for ethanol, flex-fuel and ethanol-gasoline blend vehicles. Comments are requested within thirty days by January 21, 2021. The draft standards complement the GOI's 2018 National Biofuels Policy, as India looks to introduce E-85 and E-100 vehicles into regions with an ethanol surplus. This report is intended to supplement the FAS U.S. Mission to the EU's Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report with Italy-specific information. The Italy FAIRS provides contact information for the competent authorities that are responsible for the import of animal, plant, fish, and food products into the Italian market.
This report outlines the major export certificates required by the Government of Jamaica for imports of food and agricultural products.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) added rice to its COVID-19 economic stimulus product sales promotion program in response to ongoing, weak demand for rice from the food service and home meal replacement sectors. MAFF also made changes to annual programs to extend the period of eligibility for table rice storage support payments and to make rice for manufacturing rice wine eligible for new support payments. MAFF adjusted the 2021 table rice production target downward in an effort to reduce privately held rice inventories.
Mexico published the "Measure Establishing Merchandise whose Importation is Subject to Regulation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), as well as the Issuance of Certificate of Origin for the Export of Coffee" dated December 26, 2020 with an implementation date of December 28, 2020. Notably, the measure affects organic agricultural imports entering Mexico, which must be certified by SADER to Mexico's organic standards under the Organic Products Law (LPO) starting on June 26, 2021. As a European Union (EU) member since 2007, Romania observes the EU regulations and directives, which are applied directly or transposed through national-level implementing regulations. This report updates the labeling requirements, trans fats, biotechnology, organic products, and food supplements sections over last year's Romania FAIRS Annual Country Report. This report should be read in conjunction with the EU FAIRS Report which details specific EU regulations.
South Africa has a well-developed business market, and is considered a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa markets. In 2019, imports of agriculture products were valued at US $6.4 billion, a decline of 4 percent, compared to the previous year. South African consumer trends are changing and creating opportunities to increase U.S. exports of convenience and ready-to-eat foods, as well as natural and organic products.
On December 28, 2020, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol from stores, restaurants and bars until January 15, 2021, except in the case of exports or for sanitizers. The prohibition is in response to surging cases of COVID-19 that are associated with a new, more infectious strain of the virus. This is the third time since March that the government has banned all alcohol sales. The South African alcohol industry is calling for a review of the ban, stating that there are other ways to address the spike in COVID cases.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Thai Department of Livestock Development continue negotiating market access for raw U.S. turkey meat. The Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report provides an overview of the food laws and regulatory environment in Tunisia as it relates to U.S. food and agricultural exports.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2020
GAIN Reports from Tuesday, December 29, 2020
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