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Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 7 agricultural chemicals (Sulfoxaflor, Pyraflufen-ethyl, Benthiavalicarb-isopropyl, Polyoxorim-zinc, Polyoxin complex, Spinosad, as well as Pyrantel and Morantel) for various agricultural commodities.

Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) published a list of 10 proposed geographical indications (GIs) for alcoholic beverages from the United Kingdom. NTA will accept public comments on the proposal through March 22, 2022.

The Japanese food market was valued at $789 billion in 2020 with retail sales accounting for $474 billion (60 percent) and foodservice sales accounting for $239 billion (30 percent). Japan relies on imports from other countries for the bulk of its food supply.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) opened a public comment period for 28 proposed geographical indications (GIs) for food products from the United Kingdom.

The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), which entered into force on January 1, 2020, improved market access for U.S. products through the creation of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for food wheat, wheat products, malt, processed cheese, whey, glucose and fructose, potato starch, corn starch, and inulin.

This report outlines Bermuda’s certification requirements and includes an Export Certificate Matrix as well as examples of select Export Certificates. U.S. Exporters may also refer to the 2021 Bermuda FAIRS Country report for more information on import requirements for food and agricultural products.

The United States is far and away Bermuda’s main agricultural trading partner, accounting for nearly three quarters of its imports of agricultural and related products.

Japan imports approximately 500,000 metric tons of malt annually, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of total demand. While overall beer consumption is declining, malt demand is expected to rebound from a down year in 2020 and steadily grow in subsequent years, reflecting strong demand for malt in craft beer and whiskey production.

Japan’s mandarin production continues to decline amidst labor shortages and reduced consumption. Shipping challenges and rising prices are projected to reduce the consumption of largely imported oranges and grapefruit.

FAS/Tokyo expects Japan’s imports of bioethanol to stay steady in line with Japan’s long-standing annual target for on-road biofuel of 500 million liters crude oil equivalent which is entirely fulfilled by bioETBE.

Biosafety regulatory efforts in the Caribbean remain stalled, and it is yet to be seen whether countries can regain the will and secure the international financing required to fully implement their National Biosafety Frameworks in a harmonized manner.

This report provides the latest status of consumption, regulation, public perception, research, development, production, and use of agricultural biotechnology in Japan.