On Feb. 4, 2015, Ministry of Agriculture of Shanghai U.S. Consulate General organized and held annual forum of China-based Offices of US Nuts Associations. Mr. Xu Min from Ministry of Agriculture of Shanghai U.S. Consulate General presided over the forum.

Ms. Vaieyie Bfown, the consul of Ministry of Agriculture of Shanghai U.S. Consulate General, persons in charge of Shanghai offices of US associations for pistachio nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazel and dry fruits, and Paramount Farms attended the forum. Dr. Hudson, the vice chairman of US Association of Pecans particularly arrived at China to attend the forum.

Weng Yangyang, and Jiang Rong, the senior vice chairmen of the Specialized Committee for Roasted Seeds and Nuts of China National Food Industry Association attended the forum on invitation.

In the forum, the China-based offices of US nuts associations reported the marketing situations and existing problems of various US nut products in Chinese market, and their marketing plan in Chinese market in 2015. They overall believed that in 2014, the sales of some US nuts in Chinese market rose and some reduced, but the in generally on a declining curve. The sales of pecans and macadamia nuts rose slightly, and sales of pistachio nuts, cashew and almonds are flat or reduced while the reduction of almonds is large, reaching the lowest point. However, all US nuts associations still look to further increase, and feel confident for Chinese market. In 2015, the marketing strength and marketing investment in Chinese market will be further strengthened and increased.

The forum adjusted the tax rate of imported nuts, and deeply discussed the problems during implementation of new GB2760 Standard for Use of Food Additives, existing nuts standards and quality and classification regulations. Weng Yangyang, the Senior Vice Chairman of our association answered the problems with regard to tax adjustment and standard implementation one by one and interpreted the standards. 

The forum also discussed the labor division of the 9^th Roasted Seeds and Nuts US Exhibition.

At last, all parties negotiated effectively on cooperation and exchange strengthening and enlarging between associations of China and USA.