| The following GAIN reports were released on December 30, 2021. _______ The Government of Argentina (GOA) approved three new Genetically Engineered (GE) events in 2021 (two corn events and one alfalfa). In November 2021 GE wheat flour containing the HB4 event from the company Bioceres, received approval by the Brazilian regulatory agency CTNBio. The approval raised concerns among several Argentine farmer organizations and exporters; therefore in order to strengthen controls of this wheat variety, the GOA has created an audit commission, which will operate within the National Seed Institute (INASE). Brazil's economy was forecasted to suffer a sharp drop in 2020; however, the decline was far less than expected. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined 4.1 percent, reaching $1.4 trillion. Looser quarantine measures and fiscal transfers implemented by the federal government contributed to this result. In 2020, the depreciation of the Brazilian currency, of approximately 30 percent, was expected to provoke a significant decrease in imports of agricultural goods. However, the drop in imports of consumer-oriented products was relatively mild, 4.3 percent. On the other hand, imports of intermediate products expanded by 12 percent, driven by the high demand of domestic and foreign markets. In March 2021, the Government of Canada published guidance on how Canada's Novel Food Regulations are applied to products of plant breeding. The Government also concluded industry consultations on draft guidance aimed to determine whether a plant is subject to Part V of Canada's Seeds Regulations and requires pre-market review. Canada planted approximately 11.6 million hectares of genetically engineered (GE) crops in 2021, mainly canola, soybeans, and corn, up seven percent from 2020. On December 24, 2021, the State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) extended the Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusion period for Sorbitol and other select U.S. commodities. The exclusion was set to expire on December 25 but has now been extended until June 30, 2022. This report contains an unofficial translation of the announcement and links to reports for other retaliatory tariff exclusions announced by the SCTC on U.S. products. The European Union's (EU) complex and lengthy policy framework for biotechnology creates a challenging environment for research and limits access to innovative tools for EU farmers. As such, the EU imports large amounts of genetically engineered (GE) feed and produces very few of its own GE crops. However, perceptions around newer techniques, such as genome editing, are shifting the dialogue. On April 29, 2021, the European Commission published its "Study on the status of new genomic techniques under Union law and in light of the Court of Justice ruling in Case C-528/16." This study states that these newer techniques can contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal's Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies, and the current "GMO Directive" is not "fit for purpose." On September 24, 2021, the Commission launched a policy initiative to determine how to regulate these newer techniques, and a draft policy is targeted for 2023. Despite its small population at 7.5 million, Hong Kong is the sixth-largest export market for U.S. consumer-oriented agricultural products. Hong Kong has always been an attractive market for innovative U.S. food and beverage products as well as a gateway to the region. Similar to other markets in the world, Hong Kong has been adversely affected by COVID-19. Specifically, the ongoing quarantine requirements imposed on inbound travelers continue to hinder tourism and in-person business activities. This has reduced domestic food demand and imports. The Hong Kong government has launched multiple stimulus measures to help local residents and businesses cope with the COVID-19 adversity and there are signs of recovery. As the pandemic situation improves and borders are to reopen, Hong Kong's economy is expected to further progress in 2022. On December 23, 2021, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, through the Department of Food and Public Distribution, issued the "Soya Meal Stock Control Order, 2021." Under the notification, stock limits on soybean meal are established from December 23, 2021, through June 30, 2022. The move is intended to check the rising domestic prices of soybean meal. In line with gradual economic recovery due to improving COVID-19 pandemic conditions, Indonesia's cotton consumption is forecast to increase to 2.5 million bales in 2021/22, up approximately 2 percent from 2.45 million bales in 2020/21. The United States is losing market share in Indonesia mainly due to price and lead time uncompetitivity compared to other major suppliers. This report provides updated technical information for requirements and regulations on food and agricultural products as currently required by the Government of Indonesia (GOI). Sections that have been updated for this year include Food Additive Regulations; Labeling Requirements; Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registrations Measures; and Import Procedures. The appendices have also been updated and a section on Trade Facilitation has been added. This report supplements information provided in the 2021 Indonesia FAIRS Country Report and updates the 2020 Indonesian FAIRS Export Certificate Report. Since its European Union (EU) accession in 2004, Lithuania has consistently harmonized its domestic food and agricultural regulations with EU standards. Post advises stakeholders to consult with Lithuanian importers and/or buyers to ensure current requirements are met. Post also recommends that the following report be read in conjunction with the EU Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report, prepared by the U.S. Mission to the EU's Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA). Lithuania applies harmonized European Union (EU) regulations, including requisite certificates for most animal and plant-origin food and agricultural imports from non-EU countries. U.S. exporters should be aware that some interpretational variations can occur between EU Member States and are advised to consult with their Lithuanian importers regarding market access questions. U.S. exporters may also wish to consult with Lithuanian authorities on a case-by-case basis. This report provides information on the regulations and procedures for the importation of food and agricultural products from United States to Malaysia. This report supplements the Malaysia Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Export Certificate Report 2021. This report provides information on the export certification requirements of the Government of Malaysia. This report supplements the Malaysia Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standard (FAIRS) – Country Report 2021. Pakistan is the 21st largest export market for U.S. food and agricultural-related products, with U.S. exports surpassing $1.38 billion in 2020. The top U.S. exports to Pakistan were cotton, soybeans, pulses, tree nuts, dairy products, planting seeds, dairy cattle, and forestry products. Pakistan is a growing consumer market due to its rapid urbanization and a young population. Consumers are shifting away from bulk and raw foods to packaged and processed foods, including ready-to-eat meals, and frozen foods. Covid-19 has had a negative impact on the foodservice industry, and has led to more marketing through on-line platforms. This Exporter Guide provides an overview of the market, trends, and recommendations to U.S. exporters on how to conduct business in Pakistan. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed real gross domestic product (GDP) growth down to less than one percent. However, Senegal remains to be one of the most stable countries in Africa with the fourth largest economy in the West Africa region. The top food and beverage suppliers to Senegal are the European Union, India, Brazil and China, followed by regional trade partners, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Imports account for around 70 percent of the total food supply in Senegal, yet the U.S. market share is just under one percent. In 2020, the U.S. exported $16 million of food and agricultural products to Senegal, with exports of corn accounting for $5 million. The top prospects for U.S. agricultural exports to Senegal include feed grains and select consumer-oriented products. This report is an annual update of Senegal's food and feed regulations and governmental regulatory bodies and enforcement mechanisms. It provides information and guidance on import requirements, procedures, and documentation. This report is an annual update of Senegal's food and feed regulations and governmental regulatory bodies and enforcement mechanisms. It provides information and guidance on import requirements, procedures, and documentation. This report provides information on export certificates and other certification/accreditation required for imported food and agriculture products, including live animals. Export prices of most grades of rice remained unchanged despite the strengthening of the Thai baht. From January 1, 2021, the UK has been responsible for authorizing products of genetic engineering (GE) using retained EU law. Nine GE crops are currently out for public consultation as part of the new UK approval process, with a similar number still pending. As well as a recent announcement that will reduce administrative burden on plant field trials, there is political will to explore a more proportionate approach to regulation of plants and animals derived from simple genome editing as well as other plant and animal products that could have been achieved by traditional breeding methods. The UK government has a timeframe in mind of one to two years for the first phase of regulatory reform and a goal of five to seven years for a wider overhaul of biotechnology regulation. This report provides trade data on Vietnam's monthly rice exports by grade and destination and weekly export quotes for rice by grade.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
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