| The following GAIN reports were released on March 3, 2025. _______ In marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Bulgaria harvested its smallest oilseed crop in 15 years due to hot and dry summer weather negatively impacting yields. Based on the final official harvest data, the Bulgarian sunflower crop fell to only 1.45 million metric tons (MMT), the smallest crop since 2013 while the rapeseed crop decreased to 175,000 MT, the lowest level since 2008. Despite the small crop, rapeseed crushing is estimated to reach a new record this marketing year, leading to rising imports. The sunflower crush has been pressured by a local and regional deficit for sunflower seeds and weak crushing margins. As a result, leading sunflower crushers have been forced to switch from sunflower to rapeseed crushing, a new trend for the local industry. This change is projected to impact domestic consumption of oilseed meals, with declining use of sunflower meal replaced by imported soybean meal and/or local rapeseed meal. The African halal market is estimated at over $150 billion. In the Coastal West Africa Region, Côte d'Ivoire's halal food and agricultural products market is similarly growing. It shows promise thanks to the increasing number of halal product consumers in the country and in the region. Even though halal certification is not currently required by the national government and its regulatory agencies, Ivorian Muslim organizations and third-country certifiers are actively strengthening capabilities and promoting certification. With a large, growing Muslim community already present, the Ivorian halal marketplace is set to further expand over the next couple of years. It offers U.S. exporters of halal certified food and agricultural products willing to service this market good potential, as well as serves as the commercial and trade gateway to francophone West Africa (i.e., largely Muslim). On February 17, 2025, the People's Republic of China (PRC) State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released a letter soliciting public comments on a revision to the current Food Safety Law. The revision aims to regulate the permission and management system for the transportation of key liquid foods (e.g., edible oils) in bulk. This report contains an unofficial translation of the revised draft law for comments. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulation and submit comments as necessary. As this is a domestic comment period, nothing official has been reported to the World Trade Organization. On February 27, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Israeli Ministry of Health published a request for public comments on changes to European Union regulation No 1169/2011 related to the provision of food information for consumers. The publication, which has not been notified to the World Trade Organization, is only open for public comment until March 13, 2025, 23:59 (Israel Standard Time). On February 26, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Israeli Ministry of Health published a request for public comments on changes to five European Union regulations related to labeling (including messages and prohibited and restricted substances in food) and food improvement agents. The publication, which has not been notified to the World Trade Organization, is only open for public comment until March 12, 2025, 23:59 (Israel Standard Time). Mexican cattle exports to the United States resumed in February 2025 after a 70-day pause due to a New World screwworm detection. Cattle exports are expected to decline in 2025, leading to higher domestic slaughter. Increased beef production and stable demand should reduce beef imports, while higher pork production and modest consumption growth are forecast to keep pork imports stable. In 2025, the food and dining landscape is evolving with key trends like preserved foods, sustainability, zero-waste cooking, and high-end groceries. Consumers are drawn to long-lasting, shelf-stable foods and eco-friendly practices. Unique and visually appealing groceries are popular on social media, while "newstalgia" blends comfort foods with modern twists. Non-alcoholic beverages are gaining traction among health-conscious individuals. Food influencers continue to shape the digital food scene, focusing on sustainability , innovative dishes, and interactive experiences. These trends highlight a shift towards more sustainable, creative, and engaging culinary experiences. Tunisian MY 2025/26 soybean imports are expected to reach 535,000 MT, compared to 530,000 MT in MY 2024/25 as demand for animal feed increases slightly. Tunisian olive oil exports are forecast to drop to 180,000 MT in MY 2025/26, compared to 280,000 MT in MY 2024/25 reflecting the alternating high and low fruit bearing cycle of olive production. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
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