GAIN Reports from Monday, March 29, 2021

The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Monday, March 29, 2021.   Egypt: Egypt Launches Single Window Pre-Clearance System Egypt's Ministry of Finance issued Decree 38/2021 on pre-shipment registration under a new single window system that seeks to modernize and automate customs administration, simplify procedures, and reduce clearance times. The decree requires that consignment documents for Egyptian agencies at ports of entry be submitted through the single window system 48 hours prior to shipment arrival. The single window system is administered by Misr Technology Services (MTS). According to the Ministry of Finance, the new system will be launched April,1, 2021, and full implementation is expected by July 1, 2021.    Ethiopia: Oilseeds and Products Annual Total production of sesame seed, Niger seed, and soybeans in marketing year 2020/21 (October to September) is estimated to reach 705,000 metric tons, slightly down by 0.3 percent over previous year. With expansion of acreage and improved yields due to good weather conditions, production of soybeans and Niger seed is expected to increase nearly by 14 percent and 2 percent, respectively. While, sesame seed production is estimated to drop by 9 percent because of reduction in planted area. The projected impact of Covid-19 on supply chain disruptions has pushed farmers to slash sesame seed plantings and shifted to cultivation of food crops mainly sorghum to enhance local supply. The expansion of local edible oil complexes and integrated agro-industries in the country is anticipated to stimulate oilseeds production to meet the rapidly growing local demand for cooking oils as well as livestock feed.   Portugal: Catching up with Portuguese Consumers  Similar to other consumers around the world, consumers in Portugal continue to adapt their lives and habits to the "new normal" under the COVID-19 pandemic. Technological advances, changing consumer demographics and navigating this new environment will continue to impact Portuguese consumer behavior in the short and medium term. Portuguese consumers remain the greatest promotional consumers in Europe, but taste is also a very influential factor when choosing food products. Many Portuguese have traveled or have strong ties to the United States and appreciate U.S. food products and culture.   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