The following GAIN reports were released on February 13, 2026.
Colombia: Colombia Releases Single-Use Plastic Tax on Imports
On February 9, 2026, Colombia implemented a new national tax on all products containing single-use plastic products which also applies to imports. While the legal obligation to declare and pay the tax rests with the Colombian importer, U.S. exporters are being asked by their customers to provide detailed information related to packaging to support importer compliance.
The following GAIN reports were released on February 18, 2026.
China: China's Priorities in Agriculture and Rural Development in 2026
On February 3, 2026, Beijing released the annual No. 1 Document, outlining national strategies and measures related to agriculture and rural development. While food security remains the top priority, the focus has shifted from pursuing quantity increases to striving for improvements in quality. The document highlights the adoption of “new productive forces” such as artificial intelligence and robotics in agriculture. Additionally, it reiterates diversifying import sources and stresses the importance of coordinating agricultural imports with domestic production.
China: Solid Wood Annual 2025
China's 2025 timber production is estimated at 144 million m³, an increase of five percent, due to the maturation of managed commercial forests. China's housing market downturn has significantly reduced wood demand, with new housing starts and commercial housing sales both experiencing substantial declines. The furniture industry faced challenges in 2025 due to intensified competition and U.S. tariffs. Wood product imports and exports declined in 2025, with imports decreasing due to high domestic production and weak demand, and exports impacted by competitive international markets and tariffs.
Mexico: Mexico and European Union Prepare to Sign Modernized Global Agreement
Mexico and the European Union are expected to sign the Modernized Global Agreement in 2026. The agreement significantly expands agricultural market access, removing tariffs on products from both parties, instituting improvements in customs and trade facilitation procedures, and imposing new rules on the use of geographic indications.
The following GAIN reports were released on February 19, 2026.
Brazil: EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement - The Brazilian Perspective and Agricultural Impacts
On January 17, 2026, the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) signed the EU-Mercosur agreement, the culmination of negotiations started in 1999. Agricultural liberalization was one of the most politically sensitive components of the negotiations, resulting in phased tariff reductions and safeguards for select agricultural products. The Brazilian agricultural sectors expected to see the greatest export gains by value include vegetable oils and fats, pork and poultry meat, and other food products. By percentage, notable increases are also anticipated for Brazilian beef, sugar, and rice exports. The European Commission estimates the agreement will boost EU agricultural exports to Mercosur by approximately 49 percent, most notably beverages, fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, and dairy. While Mercosur countries are expected to quickly ratify the agreement, the timeline for EU ratification is less certain.
China: Livestock and Products Semi-Annual
Post forecasts lower beef imports in 2026 as China implements a tariff-rate quota framework safeguard measure that caps import volumes amid continued weak demand. Post forecasts pork imports to decline modestly in 2026, as ample domestic supply and China’s anti-dumping duties on EU pork raise import costs and weigh on demand.
Ghana: Ghana Tax Reforms of 2026 - Impact on US-origin Food and Agricultural Products Imports and Ghanaian Consumer Prices
On January 1, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) published the VAT Administrative Guidelines for the Value Added Tax Act No. 1151 (2025); Administrative Guideline Number: GRA/AG/002 (date of issue, 31 December 2025). The guideline provides clarity and guidance to GRA’s officers, tax preparers, consultants, taxpayers, and the general public. The reform measures eliminate the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy of 1%, while incorporating the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) of 2.5% and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy of 2.5% into the overall standard VAT base. Under the new VAT framework, statutory levies are applied on a single tax base rather than being layered sequentially. The old system of adding levies (i.e., NHIL, GETFund, COVID-19 — that total up to 6%) to costs prior to applying the VAT rate of 15% is scrapped. The new reform measures reduces tax compounding, lowering costs for importers of food (including from the United States), distributors, retailers, as well as for consumers.
India: India Biofuels Market - Opportunities and Challenges in a Changing Energy and Agricultural Landscape
India's biofuels sector is advancing rapidly with strong government support. However, it faces challenges including feedstock variability, environmental concerns, and policy shifts that have caused uneven capacity utilization and resource competition. The expansion of sugar and grain-based ethanol production creates significant opportunities for U.S. stakeholders, particularly in exporting industrial ethanol supplies and advanced biofuel technologies. India has established Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending targets for international flights and is building domestic production capacity through strategic partnerships. Additionally, India is developing Sustainable Marine Fuel alternatives—including green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels. India Energy Week 2026 highlighted India's status as a major energy player with significant opportunities for the U.S. in energy technologies and alternative fuels.
Thailand: THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026 - Trade Show Announcement
THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026 will take place May 26-30, 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. As one of Asia's premier food and beverage trade exhibitions and a USDA-endorsed trade show, the event will showcase innovative products across multiple categories and attract key industry stakeholders from throughout the region. U.S. exporters and industry groups interested in participating in the show and exhibiting inside the USA Pavilion can find more information in this report.
Turkey: Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional Annual
Turkiye’s HRI sector continues to grapple with rising inflation and economic uncertainty, while sales in terms of U.S. dollars have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Persistent inflation has eroded consumer buying power, continuing the trend of cheaper dining options versus more expensive, sit-down restaurants. Tourism throughout Turkiye is making a comeback, helping to increasing overall HRI sales, and there remain several sectors that are ripe for U.S. exports.
