GAIN Reports from Monday, December 7, 2020

The following Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports were released on Monday, December 7, 2020.     European Union: The Status of Hemp Plant Extracts and Cannabinoids in the European Union In January 2019, the European Commission decided to classify extracts of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa L. and derived products containing cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, as "novel foods." Several companies have started the authorization process for CBD oil to be used as a food ingredient. A final decision is expected in 2021. India: COVID-19 in India - Weekly Food Retail Update Weekly report as of November 20, 2020, of COVID-19 impact on India's food retail sector. India: COVID-19 in India - Weekly Port Situation Update Weekly report as of December 4, 2020, of COVID-19 impact on Indian port operations. India: India Extends Compliance Timeline for Genetically Modified-Free Certificate for Imported Food Products   On December 3, 2020, the Government of India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) extended the compliance date on the requirement of a genetically-modified (GM)-free certificate for imported food products until March 1, 2021. Pakistan: Cotton and Products Update Despite lower cotton production, Pakistan's textile sector is back at full capacity and appears to be on track to achieve higher exports in the long run. In order to realize export-led growth in this sector, the Government of Pakistan is finalizing Textile Policy 2020/25, which aims to make Pakistan more competitive globally. Pakistan's cotton production for the 2020/21 marketing year (MY) (August/July) is estimated at 4.7 million 480 lb bales, down 24 percent from the last year mainly due to a 10 percent decrease in area planted, crop damage from heavy monsoon rains, and severe pest infestation. The shortfall in domestic supplies will be bridged through imports, with cotton imports forecast at a record 4.9 million 480 lb bales – an import level surpassing the estimate for MY 2020/21 cotton production. The Pakistan government's better management of COVID-19 generally allowed businesses to operate. MY 2020/21 cotton consumption is expected to increase 13 percent over the last year due to ongoing brisk pace.  Pakistan: Oilseeds and Products Update Pakistan's Marketing Year (MY) October/September) 2019/20 soybean imports reached 1.7 million metric tons (MMT), 15 percent lower than the last year. Reduced imports are mainly due to an increase in soybean prices, a pandemic-related drop in feed demand from the poultry industry, and ongoing uncertainty regarding Pakistan's gap in regulations for GE products intended for food, feed, and processing (FFP). MY 2020/21 soybean imports are forecast at 2.4 MMT, assuming that international soybean prices stabilize and that Pakistan addresses its regulatory gaps in a manner consistent with its international trade obligations. MY 2019/20 rapeseed/canola imports are estimated at 781,136 metric tons (MT), down 14 percent from a year ago due to the overall slackening of business activity leading towards reduced demand. MY 2019/20 imports of soybean oil are down 35 percent due to price increases and the substitutability of lower-priced palm oil. MY 2019/20 palm oil imports are up 6 percent, offsetting the supply gap. Thailand: Grain and Feed Update MY2020/21 main-crop rice harvest was delayed, but rice production is still expected to increase by approximately 5 percent. Rice exports are revised down further due to current port congestion. Wheat imports declined 8 percent in the first four months of MY2020/21 due to a continued economic recession.   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. This email was sent to stevenmagallanes520.nims@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250