Browse Data and Analysis

The only genetically engineered (GE) product in commercial production is GE cotton, with obsolete seeds and only in restricted areas. There has been no advance in plant or animal biotechnology development and production, mainly due to policy and regulatory constraints.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12078 on December 9, 2024, which extended the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031.

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (PFDA) reiterated its jurisdiction on the regulation of veterinary drug products. The PFDA clarified that it shall regulate finished products for therapeutic purposes for animals, including veterinary drugs, medicated feed products, and antimicrobials.

In 2023, the Mexican economy continued its recovery streak for the third consecutive year, while continuing to generate higher-wage jobs, clearly reflected in activity of the Mexican hospitality and foodservice sector.

Puebla is Mexico’s fourth largest metropolitan area and an important city for the southeast region, with a strategic location that links the center with the southeast of the country. This report highlights opportunities in a market that, while not traditionally considered one of Mexico’s top markets, is dynamic and has strong growth potential.

FAS Manila forecasts lower milled rice production in Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25 compared to MY 2023/24 due to a series of weather disturbances. FAS Manila forecasts an increase in imports in MY 2024/25 to address reduced domestic production and increasing consumption attributed to population growth.

Reaching pre-pandemic levels in 2025, FAS Manila sees continued food service sales growth at 12 percent with the expansion of stores and customer queues in restaurants. As more consumers dine out, restaurant chains open new restaurants, cafes, kiosks...

Post forecasts production for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 at 0.89 million 480-lb bales, a similar level as in MY 2023/24. The planting area is expected to decrease due to farmers switching to more profitable crops, drought conditions, and limited access to water from dams.