Browse Data and Analysis

Recent available data indicates that Saudi Arabia imported approximately 2.7 million metric tons (MMT) of barley in the first six months of MY 2022/23 (July – December 2022), an increase of approximately 11% compared to the same period last year (2.46 MMT).

On Friday, March 24, 2023, the Federal Registry published to the addition of “Article 216 Bis” to the General Health Law related to trans fats. The addendum will regulate the use of trans fats in food processing, mandating that the fatty acid content should not exceed 2 percent of the product’s total nutritional value.

Post forecasts MY 2023/24 wheat production at 3.3 million metric tons (MMT) and barley production at 1.4 MMT, in line with the previous season as climatic conditions are similar.

On March 19, 2023, Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) announced the annual import quota for two types of the agrochemical glyphosate.

Morocco’s food processing sector plays an essential role in the Moroccan economy, accounting for 6 percent of Moroccan GDP and benefits from excellent infrastructure, world-class manufacturing facilities, and convenient access to neighboring African markets.

FAS Tel Aviv (Post) forecasts Israel’s wheat imports to reach 1.70 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, a 2.8 percent decrease from Post’s MY 2022/23 figure.

Due to continued elevated agricultural input costs, Mexico’s corn production in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast at 27.4 million metric tons (MMT), unchanged from the year prior. Lower than expected planting intentions data accounts for slightly lower rice and wheat production forecasts.

On February 13, 2023, Mexico published a modified 2023 Corn Decree in the Diario Official Federal (DOF). The new Presidential decree abrogates the 2020 GE Corn Decree and is immediately effective on February 14, 2023.

Israel's reform to decentralize the control on toiletries and food will impact the import of processed food products.

Israel's chief rabbi affirms cultivated steak is kosher, which means it is permitted for consumption by Jews under religious law. This ruling opens the door for companies producing cultivated meat directly from laboratory grown cells to receive a kosher certification.

On November 30th, 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) published the updated mandatory technical regulation UAE.S. 993/2022 “Animal Slaughtering Requirements According to Islamic Rules”, and effective date December 1st, 2023.

Tunisian MY 2023/24 soybean imports are expected to reach 540,000 MT, compared to 510,000 MT in MY 2022/23. Tunisian olive oil exports are forecast to reach 200,000 MT in MY 2023/24, compared to 155,000 MT in MY 2022/23.