| The following GAIN reports were released on September 22, 2025. _______ The Soy Moratorium, a 2006 voluntary agreement preventing the trade of soybeans from deforested Amazon lands after 2008, remains a cornerstone of Brazil's environmental commitments. The agreement faces growing opposition from agribusiness groups, who argue that it economically harms producers and violates Brazilian law. Recent legal disputes, including a suspension of the moratorium and its subsequent reinstatement by a federal judge, have magnified tensions, with international buyers reaffirming their support for the agreement and warning against sourcing from deforested areas. China's craft beer market offers significant growth potential for U.S. breweries, driven by rising demand for premium and innovative beer styles among younger, urban consumers. However, the market is not without its challenges including high import tariffs, regulatory complexities, and intense competition from both domestic and international players. To succeed, U.S. breweries must adopt a strategic approach that combines digital engagement, tailored product offerings, and active participation in trade shows and beer festivals. By leveraging their strengths in innovation, quality, and diverse beer styles, U.S. brands can position themselves to capture market share and build lasting connections with Chinese consumers in this rapidly evolving landscape. On September 9, 2025, China's State Administration for Market Regulation and Ministry of Commerce jointly published a proposed regulation to further strengthen the supervision of recalls on cross-border e-commerce imported retail foods. The proposal is open for public comments until October 8, 2025. At the time of this report, China has not notified the proposed regulation to the WTO. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft proposal. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impact on their business. On September 4, 2025, China notified the National Food Safety and Hygiene Standard for the Production of Compound Seasonings to the WTO as G/SPS/N/CHN/1351. This new standard specifies the scope of application, sanitation requirements for production facilities and environments, use of ingredients, and food safety control systems. It applies to the production of compound seasonings and aquatic seasonings. Comments may be submitted to the China's SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until November 3, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard. On September 4, 2025, China notified the National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Nutritional Fortifier to the WTO as G/SPS/N/CHN/1353. This standard specifies requirements for the use of nutritional fortification substances, selection for fortifiable food categories, and provisions on how to use nutritional fortification substances in foods. Comments may be submitted to China's SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until November 3, 2025. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard. On September 10, 2025, Colombia officially reopened its market to U.S. live cattle under the same import requirements as previously established, following successful discussions between USDA Bogota and Colombia's Plant and Health Authority (ICA). Import requirements are now accessible through ICA's SISPAP system. This development resolves the April 2024 restrictions on U.S. live cattle and select bovine products, which were initially imposed due to concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. On September 3, 2025, the Government of India (GOI) announced revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which includes food and agricultural products. The GOI lowered the GST rates for most food products, exempted certain basic essential food items, and increased rates for some categories. The new rates will take effect on September 22, 2025. The purpose of these revisions is to make food more affordable, encourage healthier choices, and promote economic growth. In August 2025, Agricultural Specialists from FAS Nairobi visited wheat and corn producers, aggregators, millers, and distributors across Kenya to gather information on the status of the current crop. Adequate rainfall reported by producers in 2025 suggests that wheat and corn production will return to their normal levels in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, in line with official USDA estimates. Post continues to expect Kenyan farmers will produce around 4.4 million metric tons of corn (48.9 million bags), and 280,000 metric tons (3.1 million bags) of wheat this year. Kenyan farmers report challenges with access to fertilizers, traditional drying methods, and grain storage. Improved dam levels and increased demand for local white corn and rice are expected to drive up production in marketing year 2025/2026. Sorghum and wheat production are projected to decline due to weaker price expectations. Higher corn production is likely to stabilize imports, even as domestic demand remains robust. Imports of wheat, rice, and sorghum are forecast to increase, as production is unable to meet rising consumption. Korea's chicken industry is poised for modest growth in 2026, with production set to increase 0.5 percent despite supply constraints in parental stock broilers. Consumption is forecast to rise by 2 percent to 1.1 million MT, driven by competitive pricing, product diversification, and heightened demand during major international sporting events. Imports are expected to grow by 9 percent, supported by lower prices compared to domestic chicken. While a temporary ban on Brazilian poultry imports due to avian influenza disrupted supply in mid-2025, speedy adoption of regionalization policies allowed imports to resume from HPAI-free areas of Brazil. Exports are projected to remain steady at 65,000 MT, with Vietnam as the primary market for frozen layer hens and limited heat-processed products reaching new international markets. On September 22, ahead of an upcoming presidential summit, Turkiye announced it was lifting its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. rice, tree nuts, distilled spirits, and a few other agricultural items. The zeroing out of these added duties will contribute to increased U.S. agricultural exports and help narrow the agricultural trade deficit. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
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