The following GAIN reports were released on July 17, 2026.

China: China Publishes New Five-Year Plan to Boost Agriculture and Rural Development

China's 15th Five-Year Plan for Accelerating the Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Areas (2026–2030) targets grain production capacity of 725 million metric tons and elevates technology as a core engine of agricultural growth. On the global stage, the plan seeks to diversify agricultural imports and cultivate internationally competitive domestic enterprises. The document marks a strategic shift from a “transition period” to a phase of systemic modernization aimed at becoming an agricultural powerhouse by 2035.

China: Updated Feed Ingredients Catalog

China has issued a revised Feed Ingredients Catalog. This report provides an unofficial translation and summary of the major updates to the catalogue. Stakeholders should conduct their own review of the regulations to assess any market or regulatory impacts on their business.

European Union: Biofuels Annual

EU bioethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel (BBD) consumption is rising due to stricter renewable transport targets enforced by the revised second Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). Though electrification, biofuel blending limits, crop caps, and specific sustainability requirements restrain growth. While domestic bioethanol production remains stagnant, BBD manufacturing is expanding, supported by anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports and the EU Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets. Driven by growing demand and flat local output, EU bioethanol imports are forecast to increase in 2026, primarily from the United States and Ukraine. In 2026, EU BBD imports from China and Argentina are collapsing while volumes from India and Thailand surge. Following changes to American tax credits, the United Kingdom has emerged as the largest export market for EU BBD. Finally, the consumption of advanced biofuels derived from waste streams must increase significantly by 2030 to meet EU regulatory mandates.

European Union: Biofuel Mandates in the EU by Member State - 2026

This report provides an overview of the biofuel use mandates in EU-27 member states, including national implementation of the revised RED II in some Member States. It supplements the EU Biofuels Annual Report for 2026.

South Korea: Korea's Revised Biotech Labeling Requirements

On July 8, 2026, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) revised the Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified (GM) Foods to expand mandatory GM labeling requirements to include certain food products that do not contain detectable GM DNA or protein. The new labeling requirement will take effect on December 31, 2026 for soy sauce products and December 31, 2027 for saccharides and edible oil products.

South Korea: Korea Seeks US Eggs to Meet Domestic Production Shortfall

The Republic of Korea (ROK) plans to import approximately 210 million table eggs from the United States and Thailand in July and August, backed by KRW 99.7 billion ($67 million) in government support, to stabilize supply ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the ROK in November 2025 and the subsequent culling of 11.3 million laying hens as well as a slow flock recovery have kept daily egg production between 46 and 47 million eggs a day, below the 50 million needed to meet demand.

Venezuela: Exporter Guide Annual

This report outlines market conditions and opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to expand or enter the Venezuelan market. In 2025, U.S. agricultural exports to Venezuela reached $758 million, mostly unchanged from 2024. In early 2026, improved bilateral relations between the United States and Venezuela provided important economic tailwinds, and the economy underwent a period of localized stabilization and output growth, though it remained severely weakened by a long-term economic contraction, hyperinflation, and a lingering impact of international sanctions. The devastating June 24, 2026, earthquakes in north-central Venezuela further disrupted commercial trade, damaging critical infrastructure and straining essential logistics networks. Despite these challenges, Venezuela’s food and retail sector has proven durable, and consumers continue to hold U.S. brands in high regard.

The following GAIN reports were released on July 20, 2026.

United Kingdom: UK Tariff Suspensions - July 2026 Update

On July 13, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced the outcome of its 2025/2026 business application window for duty suspensions. The outcome includes a suspension on Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) fertilizer, a U.S. fertilizer export to the United Kingdom (UK). The suspension is expected to save millions for UK consumers and boost U.S. exports. The announcement also includes suspensions on an additional 21 agricultural products, covering approximately $145 million in U.S. trade and providing over $17 million in tariff savings. These suspensions take effect August 5 and will remain in place through December 31, 2028. Separately, the outcome of the parallel "Cost of Living" tariff suspension package, covering roughly 125 everyday food products, as well as fertilizer and kerosene, is expected imminently.

United Kingdom: Wales and Scotland Election Update

The May 7, 2026 elections in Wales and Scotland produced significant political shifts with direct implications for domestic agricultural policy. In the United Kingdom (UK), each of the 4 devolved nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the authority and independence to develop and implement their respective domestic agricultural policy, unlike trade policy, which remains under central UK government control. In Wales, the new ruling party is expected to reassess the previous government's Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). In Scotland, the new government is looking to institute price caps on food products, which is expected to be challenged.

The following GAIN reports were released on July 21, 2026.

Chile: Beefing Up Access for US Meat Cuts in Chile

Through an exchange of letters, the USDA and the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) agreed to expand the list of permitted American beef cut names in Chile, effective July 15, 2026. The harmonization of U.S. beef cut names with Chilean regulations was the result of extensive technical work between both parties, leading to an increase of 34 newly authorized U.S. cuts.

China: China Organic Product Report

Sales of organic products in China reached $17 billion in 2024, making it the third-largest organic market after the United States and Germany. Fueled by rising consumer awareness, concerns about health and sustainability, urbanization, and increasing disposable income, the market is expanding rapidly. While challenges such as regulatory barriers and domestic competition persist, products can capitalize on opportunities through cross-border e-commerce and by leveraging the trusted USDA Organic certification seal.

Thailand: Seafood Market Opportunities for US Exporters 2026

Thailand ranks among the world's leading seafood producers and exporters, with a sector valued at $8.9 billion in 2025 and projected to grow over 3 percent annually through 2030. A sophisticated processing base, a robust foodservice industry, and a rapidly expanding import base near $4.5 billion in 2025 underpin this growth, driven largely by structural gaps in premium species and increasing reliance on imported raw materials. U.S. seafood exports to Thailand reached $140 million in 2025, a 60 percent year-on-year increase. Rising health consciousness and growing origin awareness are fueling Thai consumer demand for premium, sustainably sourced seafood across modern retail, upscale restaurants, and online platforms.

United Kingdom: Wood Pellets Annual

In 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) is expected to remain the largest global consumer of imported wood pellets. In calendar year (CY) 2026, consumption is forecast to reach a record 10.35 million metric tons (MMT), requiring an estimated 10.15 MMT in imports - driven by strong demand for renewable power. The United States accounts for the vast majority of UK wood pellet imports. In 2026 the UK government announced a mandatory supply chain due diligence regime for forest-risk commodities and the development of a Common Biomass Sustainability Framework (CBSF), which carry significant implications for U.S. exporters. In 2025, consumption reached 9.95 MMT, with the biomass energy sector providing from 7 to as high as 17 percent of total UK electricity generation, depending on concurrent energy generation from other renewable sources.

The following GAIN reports were released on July 22, 2026.

South Africa: Grain and Feed Update

South Africa is currently harvesting its largest corn crop on record, estimated at 18 million metric tons. With this strong foundation, the corn sector is expected to remain stable in marketing year 2026/27, despite a bearish price environment, higher input costs, and potential weather-related challenges. Corn area is forecast to hold steady, underpinned by continued improvements in seed genetics and production practices. While production is projected to decline modestly from marketing year 2025/26’s record, ample carry-over stocks position South Africa to continue meeting domestic and regional demand, reinforcing its role as a critical food security anchor for neighbors across southern Africa.

South Korea: ROK Increases Soybeans for Sprouting WTO Tariff-Rate Quota Volume

On July 13, 2026, the Republic of Korea (ROK) announced a 10,000 metric ton (MT) increase in soybean-for-sprout imports under the 2026 WTO tariff-rate quota (TRQ) voluntary add-up plan to curb rising market prices and address potential tightened supplies in the second half of the year. The additional volumes are subject to the WTO TRQ 5 percent preferential tariff rate. MAFRA clarified that these imports will not replace domestic soybeans but will instead supplement domestic production. From 2020 to 2025, the ROK imported roughly 46,000 MT annually of additional food-grade soybeans to meet domestic demand.

The following GAIN reports were released on July 23, 2026.

Argentina: Grain and Feed Update

Argentine wheat exports in MY 2026/27 are forecast 1 million tons higher, at 15.5 million tons, reflecting increased production from a larger planted area. Barley production is lowered by 200,000 tons as persistent wet conditions in the main producing region have hampered planting and slightly reduced the expected harvested area. Despite the smaller crop, barley exports remain unchanged at 3.6 million tons. Corn exports in MY 2026/27 are projected to be 3 million tons higher, supported by a marginal increase in planted area and higher expected yields, resulting in a production forecast of 60.5 million tons. Sorghum projections remain virtually unchanged. Rice exports are also unchanged, although planted area and production are revised slightly upward.

India: Biofuels Annual

India continues to make significant progress in its biofuels program, with ethanol blending advancing substantially due to major expansions in production capacity and successful feedstock diversification toward grain-based sources. The country has achieved a notable milestone in renewable energy, reaching its Paris Agreement non-fossil fuel capacity target years ahead of schedule and securing a leading global position. However, the biodiesel program faces considerable challenges from feedstock supply constraints that threaten to derail blending objectives. In the emerging areas space, India is taking important steps with sustainable aviation fuel for international flights and sustainable maritime fuel development, positioning itself as a regional leader in transportation fuel innovation.

Indonesia: Grain and Feed Update

Predicted early arrival of the 2026 dry season with potential of moderate El Niño towards the end of 2026 and early 2027 will lead to a forecast decrease in paddy and corn harvested areas in 2025/26 and 2026/27. A reduced corn import quota for industry in 2025/26 is forcing corn wet millers to find alternative raw materials to continue production. Imports of wheat in 2026/27 are forecast to increase to meet higher demand from growing feed and poultry industries and growing consumer demand for wheat-based foods, with an expected increased market share for U.S. wheat.

Philippines: Biofuels Annual

Post forecasts a slight increase in fuel ethanol imports in 2026, driven by modest growth in the fuel pool following the declaration of energy emergency in the Philippines on March 24, 2026. Post forecasts a moderate increase in fuel ethanol production, supported by lower feedstock prices, particularly for molasses. Post forecasts both fuel ethanol and biodiesel consumption to expand in 2026, though at a slower pace, reflecting weaker vehicle sales and elevated fuel prices. The Philippines has no domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, but efforts to develop the SAF industry gained further traction in 2026.