Browse Data and Analysis

Since the start of COVID-19, Philippine consumers have incorporated more fresh fruit into their diet. Global exports of fresh fruits to the Philippines increased 36 percent to $695 million in 2020 and are forecast to grow five percent in 2021.

Israel’s planted area with citrus in marketing year (MY) 2021/22 is forecast to be 16,200 hectares (ha) with no change from the area planted in MY 2020/21. The productive area is estimated at 15,350 ha.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s December 24, 2020, decree prevents agricultural genetically engineered product development, commercialization and import into Algeria. FAS Algiers continues to support biotechnology researchers through the Borlaug scientific exchange program.

In order to move forward in the area of agriculture biotechnology, Egypt needs a biosafety legal framework. The absence of a legal framework inhibits field trials, as well as the commercial use of genetically engineered (GE) crops.

Morocco continues to import agricultural products derived from genetically engineered (GE) technologies for use in animal feed products. No GE products have been developed or commercialized for local production in Morocco.

Saudi regulations allow the importation of biotech plant products, but they are required to be labeled if they contain more than one percent genetically engineered (GE) plant ingredients.

Tunisia postponed non-urgent reforms throughout 2021 due to an unstable political environment and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is no timeframe for Parliament to review and vote on Tunisia’s biosafety framework, and so the policy, which was drafted in 2014, remains on hold.

The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on November 10, 2021 issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 112-2021, clarifying that all imported unprocessed fruits and vegetables are exempt from the 12 percent value-added tax.

On October 20, 2021, Israel passed its proposed tax for soft drinks, concentrates, and powders (HS 20.09, 21.06, and 22.02).

Saudi Arabia is a 20th largest importer of U.S. food and agricultural products in the world, with direct U.S. exports of $1.23 billion in 2020. Return to semi-normal living conditions are invigorating U.S. agricultural exports to the Kingdom as supported by the U.S. Customs data for January – August 2021 that show 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020.

FY2021 agricultural exports reach record levels.

The Philippines is a regional biotechnology leader, highlighted by its passage in 2021 of Golden Rice for commercial propagation and Bt eggplant for direct use.