| The following GAIN reports were released on April 8, 2025. _______ Rice production in Guatemala is slowly declining due to limited access to improved seed varieties and an insufficient domestic supply of locally developed seeds. As a result, both the cultivated area and overall production are expected to decrease in the coming years. Additionally, formal rice imports have not increased proportionally to meet growing demand, as contraband trade continues to rise. Meanwhile, white corn production is expanding to supply the domestic market, while yellow corn, primarily used for animal feed, is increasing at least four percent annually to meet the demand for the avian, cattle, and swine domestic production. Yellow corn now accounts for 52 percent of total corn consumption with the United States as the main supplier for both rice and corn. This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes. Japan also imposes a 10 percent consumption tax on all alcoholic beverages, which continues to be a consideration for price-conscious consumers. It and may affect preferences for less expensive domestic options vs. imported alcoholic beverage products, that typically demand premium pricing. Mexico's marketing year 2024/25 bean production is 41 percent higher than the record low of the previous year based on increased planted area. However, challenges persist such as adverse weather, limited access to quality seeds, and security issues in key production areas. The government's initiative to establish a seed producing company offers potential solutions, but the timeline for its implementation is unclear. Meanwhile, per capita bean consumption in Mexico continues to decline, reaching 7.7 kilograms per year in 2024. Wheat production is projected to fall to 27.5 million tons in 2025/26 due to a decrease in cultivated area and extremely dry weather. This shortfall in domestic production is expected to lead to increased imports, forecast at 1.7 million tons. On the other hand, rice production is anticipated to reach 9.8 million tons, driven by strong export demand and positive returns, although this remains dependent on the replenishment of irrigation water storage levels. With this supply outlook, rice exports are expected to stay robust at 5.8 million tons. Meanwhile, corn production in 2025/26 is forecast to rise to 9.6 million tons, supported by an increase in cultivated area and assuming average yields. FAS Manila forecasts soybean meal imports in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 to increase by 3.1 percent to 3.35 million metric tons (MMT) compared to the previous MY, due to an increase in local feed demand from the broiler, layer, aquaculture, and pet food industries, along with the forecast gradual rebound of the swine industry. Copra crush is forecast to marginally rebound in MY 2025/26 due to better weather conditions, leading to higher coconut oil production. Despite an increase in coconut oil production, FAS Manila forecasts coconut oil exports to remain flat in MY 2025/26, due to an increase in local demand for coconut oil for biodiesel blending. Palm oil imports, a substitute for coconut oil for both cooking and industrial applications, is forecast to increase in MY 2025/26 to supplement supply gaps in coconut oil. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
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