Data and Analysis

Starting October 1, 2024, the Philippines moved to a B3 or 3 percent coco-methyl ester (CME) biodiesel mandate, from 2 percent previously. The blend will gradually increase to 4 percent in October 2025, and to 5 percent in October 2026.

China continued to be the world’s largest food importing country in 2023, with total food imports valued at $140 billion. The United States was the 4th largest source of China’s imports of consumer-oriented agricultural products in 2023.

Mexico’s retail sector remains a dynamic industry with sales reaching $78.4 billion in 2023. Although the majority of consumers still turn to traditional markets, modern chains like Walmart and Soriana continue to attract middle and high-income consumers.

Rice export prices, particularly white and parboiled rice, dropped 5-11 percent from the previous week due to competition from Indian rice and the weakening of the Thai baht.