Browse Data and Analysis

As of January 1, 2023, Spain implemented a special tax on non-reusable plastic packaging that also applies to imported food products. For imports, payment of the tax is the responsibility of the importer, although third country manufacturers must provide their Spanish buyers with information regarding the amount of non-recyclable plastic packaging used in their products’ packaging.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) proposed default greenhouse gas (GHG) emission values for biomass feedstock eligible for the feed-in tariff and feed-in premium (FIT/FIP) programs for power generation.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) proposed 15 new geographical indications (GIs) for EU food products, including cheese, sausage, olive oil, vinegar, fruits and garlic. MAFF will accept public comments on the proposal through April 12, 2023.

Eleven of Japan’s top 25 food and beverage retailers are headquartered in western Japan. These regional retailers have deep community roots and are known for tailoring their product offerings to meet local preferences. This report describes the...

The volume of U.S. fresh, dried, and processed fruit exports between 2012/13 and 2021/22 dropped 29 percent to 2.9 million metric tons[1]. However, a 25-percent gain in unit value during this period softened the decrease in value to just 11 percent lower as trade dropped $700 million to $6.0 billion.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has proposed geographical indication (GI) protection for Tokachi Raclette cheese from Hokkaido Prefecture. MAFF will accept comments on the proposal until March 27, 2023. If approved, Tokachi Raclette cheese will become the first domestic dairy product in Japan’s GI system.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) proposed an update to Japan’s biofuel standards from Japan’s fiscal year 2023 through 2027. METI will accept public comments in Japanese on the proposal until 5 PM on January 17, 2023, Japan time. Based on received public comments, METI will revise the contents in the proposed biofuel standards and open a second and final public comment period within a few weeks.