| The following GAIN reports were released on April 14, 2025. _______ Australia's sugar production is forecast to decline to 3.8 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, down from an estimated 3.85 MMT in MY 2024/25, marking the lowest level of production in over a decade. Sugar cane production for MY 2025/26 is projected at 28.5 MMT, a one percent decrease from the previous year. The production decline is due to several factors, including wet harvest conditions during MY 2024/25 that delayed harvest completion, reducing the growth period for the MY 2025/26 crop. Wet conditions also limited replanting, and excessive rainfall and overcast conditions in northern growing areas hindered crop development. Raw sugar exports are forecast to rise to 3.1 MMT in MY 2025/26, up from an estimated 2.7 MMT in the prior year. Refined sugar exports are expected to remain stable at around 15,000 metric tons (MT). Domestic sugar consumption, currently at 20 percent of production, is forecast to increase due to strong population growth in Australia. Bulgaria's fish and seafood imports have grown steadily over the past decade, nearly doubling in value over this period. Bulgarian importers are seeking to expand the variety of fish available to consumers, particularly in the mid and high-value categories. In 2024, Bulgaria imported a record $175.1 million in fish and seafood products, marking a three percent increase from 2023. The foodservice sector is a significant driver of fish and seafood demand growth in Bulgaria. Despite this growth, Bulgaria's per capita fish and seafood consumption remains below the EU average. Continued demand growth can present new opportunities for U.S. exporters of fish and seafood products. On March 27, 2025, The People's Republic of China (China's) National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard Canned Complementary Foods for Infants and Young Children (GB 10770-2025). The standard applies to canned complementary foods for older infants and young children aged 6 months to 36 months, and it will enter into force on March 16, 2026. China notified the draft standard to the WTO on March 6, 2023. This report provides unofficial translation of the final standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation. On March 27, 2025, the People's Republic of China's (China's) National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the National Food Safety Standard of Cereal-based Complementary Foods for Infants and Young Children (GB 10769-2025). The finalized standard will enter into force on March 16, 2026. The draft standard was notified to the WTO on March 6, 2023. This report provides an unofficial translation of the final standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation. On April 8, 2025, the People's Republic of China (PRC) National Crop Variety Registration Committee (CNCVRC) published a third variety registration list for genetically modified (GM) corn and soybeans. The list includes 97 GM corn varieties and two GM soybean varieties and is open for public comment for 30 days, or until May 9, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of CNCVRC's announcement, the list of GM corn and soybean varieties that have passed preliminary review, the yield performance and suitable planting regions of these varieties. On March 27, 2025, the People's Republic of China's (China's) National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released the General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 28050-2025). China has announced a two-year transition period for the enforcement of the standard, which will enter into force on March 16, 2027. Nutrition labeling is an important component of food labeling that provides required nutrition information and claims for the prepackaged foods excluding foods for special dietary uses. Nutrition labeling of imported prepackaged foods should follow the provisions of this standard. China notified the draft standard to the WTO on October 22, 2021. This report provides an unofficial translation of the final standard. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation. Sugar production in the Dominican Republic (DR) is forecast to reach 600,000 metric tons (MT) due to favorable rainfall conditions through the first half of marketing year (MY) 2025/2026 (October - September). Production for MY 2024/2025 is estimated at 590,000 MT, a 19-percent increase compared to the previous marketing year. The recent decision from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lift restrictions imposed in 2022 on sugar and sugar-based imports on the leading Dominican producer, Central Romana, further supports the forecast. Additionally, the DR plans to meet the U.S. sugar quota for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Sugar production in El Salvador is forecast to reach 740,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, with MY 2024/25 estimates revised down to 706,000 MT. This growth is largely driven by ongoing investments in irrigation infrastructure, the modernization of refining equipment, and the adoption of improved sugarcane seed varieties. Sugar exports are projected to rise by 19 percent in MY 2025/26, with a 24 percent increase in raw sugar exports, driven by heightened demand from China. Favorable international prices have also helped mitigate some of the financial pressure from high input costs in sugar production. In response to persistent inflation concerns, the Government of El Salvador has extended the zero percent import duty on sugar until March 2025. Delicious USA, ATO Hong Kong's premier restaurant promotion campaign, celebrated its sixth edition in 2024. This years' campaign encouraged consumers in Hong Kong and Macau to "Taste the Finest" by exploring an array of U.S. ingredients at participating restaurants. During the month-long festival from November 11 to December 12, 2024, a record 51 restaurants, including 43 in Hong Kong and 8 in Macau, curated special dishes or menus highlighting an assortment of U.S. ingredients in local and international gastronomy. Delicious USA 2024, with the support of twenty-five U.S. cooperators and local traders, reinforced the premium positioning of U.S. ingredients in the market, generated a record $235,800 in sales across participating outlets, and reached over 18.9 million views across print and online media. Significantly, 85 percent of participating restaurants expect to use more U.S. ingredients as a result of the promotion. On March 25, 2025, India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, notified that a Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) is not required for the import of raw fishery products. This is contingent on two specific conditions being met, namely (1) the importer must have an advanced license to the effect that the products are intended for re-export, and (2) importer must obtain a no objection certificate (NOC). The issuance of the NOC requires that the certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country must conform to the Ministry standards. With favorable weather and steady fertilization, palm oil production is anticipated to rise 3 percent reaching 47 million metric tons (MMT) for 2025/26. Industrial use of palm oil in this period is projected to go up modestly, capping exports at 24 MMT. The expansion of Indonesia's national Free Nutritious Meals program is projected to support soybean consumption growth as well as soybean meal use in the poultry feed industry. The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed revisions of Japan's maximum residue levels for four agricultural chemicals (Butachlor, Etofenprox, Spinetoram, and Prallethrin) for various agricultural commodities. By April 21, 2025, interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PlantDivision@usda.gov for plant products, TFAA.FAS.AnimalDivision@usda.gov for animal products, and PPTRD@usda.gov for processed products. The CAA will also notify these proposed revisions to the World Trade Organization. In addition, the CAA released a survey to understand the current status of food additive sales and usages. By May 31, 2025, interested U.S. parties should submit their responses to PPTRD@usda.gov using the designated form (in attachments). Mexico's Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) is applied to both domestically produced and imported alcoholic beverages. The tax rate varies based on alcohol content, from 26.5 percent for lower alcohol content beer and wine to 53 percent for distilled spirits. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
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