Browse Data and Analysis

Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE (GCC-4) permit the importation of GE food products of plant origin. GCC-4 countries have established several technical regulations that require labeling for both raw and further processed food and feed that may contain GE plant products.

U.S. beef exports to East Asia in 2022 are again on record pace after a record year in 2021. Despite economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, both in value and volume, were outstanding in the first half of 2022.

While Jordan continues to have no clear agricultural biotechnology framework, on March 8, 2020, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s cabinet of ministers approved the regulation, “Instructions for Handling Food and Food Products Originating from Genetically Modified Substances Produced by Modern Biotechnology for 2018,” published in Jordan’s official gazette on April 3, 2020.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a developed nation with high per capita income and substantial opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports. Foreign nationals comprise almost 90 percent of its very diverse population. This document is meant as a guide for U.S. agricultural and food exporters interested in this dynamic and reliable billion dollar market.

Morocco’s MY 2022/2023 citrus production is expected to fall 35 percent from the previous season due to water scarcity and unfavorable weather. Tangerine and mandarin production are expected to decrease by 34 percent from the previous year to 900,000 MT, while orange production should fall by 35 percent to 750,000 MT.

Morocco notified G/SPS/N/MAR/93 on December 8, 2022. The notification concerns Morocco’s marketing couscous and pasta products. Comments are due no later than February 6, 2023. An unofficial translation is included in this report.

In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, FAS Cairo forecasts fresh orange exports to reach 1.7 million metric tons (MMT) up from 1.3 MMT in MY 2021/22.Post attributes the increase in exports to higher production amid favorable climate conditions.

This report provides information on export certificates required by the Government of Tunisia. In 2022, the United States and Tunisia reached agreement on a health certificate to accompany exports of U.S.-origin bovine, caprine, and ovine embryos, as well as U.S.-origin caprine and ovine semen.

Since the previous report, Taiwan has granted new approvals for imports of genetically engineered (GE) products for processing, food, and feed use. Taiwan has never permitted domestic production of GE crops or animals. In 2021, Taiwan imported close to $1.2 billion of U.S. GE crops including soybeans, corn, and cotton, accounting for 30 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports to the island.

The Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report provides an overview of the food laws and regulatory environment in Tunisia as it relates to U.S. food and agricultural exports.

Morocco notified G/SPS/N/MAR/91 on November 2, 2022. The notification concerns Moroccan registration, import and enforcement relating to plant protection products. Comments are due no later than January 1, 2022. An unofficial translation is included in this report.

Since 2019, Taiwan took a cautious attitude regarding the COVID-19 pandemic but is now finally loosening its border controls and mask mandates. Unlike during the pandemic when people were more inclined to cook at home, now consumers are again looking for quick and convenient food and beverage options.