GAIN Reports from Wednesday, March 11, 2020

The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Argentina: Livestock and Products Semi-annual Argentine beef exports in 2020 are projected down at 640,000 tons carcass weight equivalent as lower prices and animal and human health issues generate negative trade dynamics. Lower exports will be reflected in marginal growth expansion of the domestic market in 2020. FAS/USDA has changed the conversion rates for Argentine beef exports. China: China Publishes Step-By-Step Tariff Exclusion Guide On March 2, 2020, China's State Council Tariff Commission (SCCTC) opened a new tariff exclusion process for Chinese companies impacted by the retaliatory Section 301 tariffs levied by China. To assist applicants, SCCTC recently released a step-by-step guide to the online tariff exclusion application system. Although only China-based enterprises can apply, this guide should help familiarize the U.S. food and agricultural industry with the overall process. This report contains an unofficial translation of the step-by-step guide. For more information about the overall process, please see GAIN Report CH2020-0017. El Salvador: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual There is no legal impediment to the use of biotechnology in El Salvador. Genetically engineered (GE) corn field trials were successfully completed. Also, the Ministry of Environment completed the regulatory framework for their safe use and commercialization. On April 30, 2008, El Salvador abolished Article 30 of the Planting Seed Law that required imported seeds to have a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the seeds did not contain GE organisms. El Salvador ratified the Cartagena Protocol in 2003. A new government administration that took office in June 2019, has shown interest in biotechnology and how it can help advance agricultural competitiveness in El Salvador. However, there is a need to provide information about the technology to decision makers, specifically at the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment; so that it can be fully adopted. Updated: Section I. Executive Summary, Chapter I: Part B a) Regulatory Framework, b) Field Testing. Ethiopia: Ethiopia Announced Tenders to Buy 600000 Metric Tons of Wheat The Government of Ethiopia (GOE) floated two international competitive bids to purchase a total of 600,000 metric tons of foreign wheat. The first bid looks for buying 200,000 metric tons of wheat for emergency relief assistance purposes. The second tender seeks 400,000 metric tons of wheat for stabilizing local market through the GOE bread subsidy program. Bid submissions for the first and second bids are due on April 1 and April 7, respectively. EU-27: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual The European Union's (EU) complex and lengthy policy framework for biotechnology creates a challenging environment for research and limits access to innovative tools for EU farmers. The EU produces very few genetically engineered (GE) crops but it imports large amounts of GE feed. In July 2018, the European Court of Justice issued its judgment that organisms created through innovative biotechnologies should be regulated as GE organisms in the EU. Scientists and professionals in the agriculture and food sectors warned that this judgment could harm research and agriculture in the EU and create trade disruptions. As a result of these strong reactions and upon specific requests of some Member States, the Council of the EU has asked the European Commission to propose options to update the EU policy framework by April 2021. Kazakhstan: Ag Ministry Outlines Support Programs for 2020 The Ministry of Agriculture announced the broad outlines of their plans for agricultural programs in 2020. Most major programs will continue, with the exception of the specific subsidy for eggs. Kazakhstan continues to prioritize modernization of its ag sector through preferential loans to farmers and ranchers.  Libya: Exporter Guide Libya poses unique opportunities and challenges for U.S. agricultural exports. The nation is characterized by an unstable government, conflict, opaque regulations, an underperforming agricultural sector, and about $3 billion worth of agricultural imports from around the world every year. Top prospects include infant formula, baby food, pulses, beef, poultry, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, and beverage concentrates. Libya: FAIRS Country Report The Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report provides an overview of the food laws and regulatory environment in Libya as it relates to U.S. food and agricultural exports. Mexico: Maritime Ports of Veracruz and Lazaro Cardenas The following document reports on the maritime ports of entry (MPE) of Veracruz and Lazaro Cardenas, through which agricultural products transported by vessel arrive to Mexico. The information in this report is useful for U.S. exporters who currently export or wish to export agricultural products to Mexico by vessel. In 2019, the United States exported more than USD 20 billion of agricultural and food products to Mexico, of these approximately USD 2.3 billion corresponded to exports by vessel.  South Korea: Livestock and Products Semi-annual The outbreak in Korea of Novel Corona Virus 2019 (COVID 19) in January 2020, is creating significant economic headwinds, reducing demand for animal protein. The fall 2019 outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) remains largely contained in Korea, with no new detections in commercial herds since October 9. Consumer concerns related to pork safety and ASF combined with continued herd expansion have driven pork prices lower than expected, reducing opportunities for international exporters. The domestic cattle herd is also expanding and beef production growing, limiting the demand for imported beef.  For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. 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