GAIN Reports from Monday, January 25, 2021

The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Monday, January 25, 2021.    Algeria: FAIRS Country Report The Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report provides an overview of the food laws and regulatory environment in Algeria as it relates to food and agricultural exports. A majority of U.S. agricultural exports to Algeria are bulk and intermediate commodities. Wheat, tree nuts, soybeans, dairy products, forest products and planting seeds remain the most promising commodities for the Algerian market. The Algerian market holds tremendous potential for U.S. livestock and genetics. Market access has been obtained for bovine embryos, and hatching eggs and day-old chicks for chicken. Argentina: Grain and Feed Update Argentine wheat exports (including flour) in marketing year (MY) 2020-21 are projected at 11.3 million tons, 700,000 tons lower than USDA official. Barley production is set at 3.85 million tons, 150,000 tons higher than USDA official following unexpected higher yields, with exports forecast at 2.6 million tons. Post forecasts corn production in MY 2020/21 at 47.0 million tons, 500,000 tons lower than USDA official due to drought damage. Corn consumption is forecast at 14.4 million tons, 600,000 tons lower than USDA official. Sorghum exports in MY 2020/21 are forecast at 1.4 million tons, 400,000 tons higher than USDA official, on strong demand from China. Post projects a downward movement in rice production due to a smaller acreage and expected yield. Australia: Grain and Feed Update FAS/Canberra forecasts Australian wheat production of 31 (million metric tons) MMT in MY 2020/21, the second highest on record, and more than double the previous year's drought-affected estimate of 15.2 MMT. Exports are supported by strong international prices and are forecast at 21 MMT, which if achieved would be the third highest result ever. Barley production is forecast at 11.5 MMT, which would also be the second highest on record. Not all parts of eastern Australia recovered from drought during 2020, and continued dryness in parts of Queensland is limiting the FAS/Canberra forecast for sorghum production to 1.2 MMT, around 78 percent of the previous 10-year average. For rice, water catchments are yet to fully recover from the drought which is limiting the expected production recovery. Rice production is forecast at 400,000 MT in 2020/21, still over ten times last year's level, but 90 percent of the last 10-year average. Hong Kong: Research Study on Food Preferences of Mature Consumers In view of the growing aging population in Hong Kong and its potent purchasing power, ATO Hong Kong commissioned market research on the food preferences of mature consumers through a public tendering process in 2020. The study was completed in late 2020. This GAIN report provides U.S. exporters with the findings, which include: the population of the mature/well-off consumers, market size of the target group's food consumption, the top ten most wanted products, the perceived merits/shortcomings of U.S. products, competition, effective marketing channels, dining preferences, etc. The first page of this report is a one-page summary of the key findings. Israel: Exporter Guide Israel is an advanced, market-oriented economy. However, its limited land and water resources preclude agricultural self-sufficiency, affecting local production costs and consumer prices. The country is a net food importer; in 2019, food and agricultural product imports were valued at $6.8 billion while exports totaled $2.2 billion. Demand for organic, healthy or natural foods is increasing. Niche products that target a specific health issue like diabetes or celiac disease (gluten-free food) are experiencing growth in demand, as well as vegetarian and vegan products. This report provides an overview of Israeli market dynamics and trends, as well practical tips for doing business in Israel. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the Israeli economy and it is unclear how quickly it will recover. Israel's Central Bank projected a decrease in real GDP of between 4.5-7 percent in 2020 after gains of 3.3 percent in 2019. Philippines: FAIRS Country Report   This report outlines Philippine government requirements for the importation of food and agricultural products. The report aims to assist U.S. exporters by providing information on labeling, packaging, permitted ingredients, and other relevant information. It also provides points of contact for key Philippine government authorities, U.S. government agencies, and trade associations. All sections were updated. Philippines: FAIRS Export Certificate Report This report outlines the Philippine government's required documents of the United States in order to facilitate the importation of U.S. food and agricultural products.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.     Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. This email was sent to ooseims.archieves@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250