GAIN Reports from November 2, 2026

\The following GAIN reports were released on November 2, 2026. _______     Japan: Liquor Tax Reform Reaches Completion in October 2026 The Government of Japan’s liquor tax reform, which has been implemented in phases since 2020, reached its final stage on October 1, 2026. The primary objective of this reform was to eliminate the tax disparities among similar beer-like alcoholic beverages and secure a unified tax system. The higher liquor taxes on malt-based beer prompted companies to develop beer-like beverages that were assessed a lower tax. Although U.S. origin beer falls into the "premium beer" category, it will also be affected by the update to liquor tax policy. This report analyzes the impact of these tax-related changes on the market for imported beer from the United States in retail prices, consumer perception, constraints, and opportunities. Laos: New Market and New Opportunities for US Food Exports in Laos Laos is a small but fast-growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products. U.S. agricultural exports reached a record $6.2 million in 2025. Rising tourism and a stabilizing economy are increasing demand for premium imports into population hubs like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. According to local contacts, frozen U.S. beef and cheese have the strongest prospects in upscale hotels and restaurants, while cafés and bakeries create year-round opportunities for U.S. products and bakery ingredients. In retail, U.S. distilled spirits, snacks, tree nuts, and infant formula benefit from consumer trust in U.S. food safety. Laos is a promising market for U.S. exporters already shipping to Thailand or elsewhere in Southeast Asia and those looking to grow in the region. Netherlands: Outlook of the Dutch Swine Sector The current dim market perspectives and mounting demands from policy and society are shaping the Dutch swine sector, creating different production and supply chains for the EU domestic market. Thailand: Dairy Sector Facing Quality and Supply Challenges Thailand’s domestic milk production continues to struggle as the domestic fluid milk demand shrinks amid a declining birth rate and strong competition from imported dairy products. At the farm level, volatile feed prices and limited access to capital further constrain farmers’ ability to maintain production efficiency and competitiveness. Thailand: Show Up - Stand Out - 2027 Trade Show Guide for US Exporters To guide U.S. exporters through these market opportunities, the Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Bangkok has identified several known, key trade shows taking place in Thailand throughout 2027, ensuring targeted and impactful engagement for U.S. agricultural exporters. Thailand: Thais Help Thais Subsidy Scheme Extended The Thai Cabinet approved a two-month extension of the “Thais Help Thais Plus: 60/40” co-payment scheme, which now gives each participant a one-time allowance to help with rising living and energy costs. Around one third of the Thai population participated in the first phase, and surveyed participants largely said the program eased their cost of living, though some regions noted that the assistance was insufficient. Thailand’s Ministry of Finance credits the initial phase with boosting GDP and expects the extension to add further growth. Türkiye: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual After severe frost and other extreme weather sharply reduced the MY 2025/26 harvest, favorable weather has brought Türkiye's deciduous fruit production back up in MY 2026/27. Post forecasts for commercial apple production at 4.3 million metric tons (MMT), up about 88 percent; pear production at 620,000 metric tons (MT), up about 46 percent; and table grape production at 2.2 MMT, up about 53 percent. Exports should rise sharply from last year's low levels: apples to 270,000 MT, pears to 58,000 MT, and table grapes to 220,000 MT. However, apple and pear exports will likely stay below pre-frost averages because Turkish exporters lost market share, production costs are rising, and the exchange rate makes Turkish fruit less competitive abroad. Meanwhile, the large harvest has pushed farm-gate prices below production costs for many growers, especially in traditional orchards. Ukraine: Grain and Feed Quarterly This report contains updated production and export estimates for marketing year (MY) 2026/27 for wheat, corn, barley, and rye. Post further decreased MY2026/27 export estimates against its previous estimates due to the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Black Sea and intensified attacks on Ukraine’s in-land logistics. Post estimates ending stocks will reach an all-time high. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit www.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 Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250