Belarus: Embargo on Western Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts Imports
On June 27, 2022, Belarus' Council of Ministers Resolution No.412 extended the embargo on food products from Western countries until the end of the year.
The import ban applies to a number of goods from Albania, the European Union, Iceland, Canada, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland.
The list of banned goods includes fruits and nuts.
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The import ban applies to a number of goods from Albania, the European Union, Iceland, Canada, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland.
The list of banned goods includes fruits and nuts.
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Chile: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures for Imports of Peanuts
On July 18, 2022, Chile notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) new phytosanitary requirements governing the importation of in-shell and shelled peanuts (Arachis hypogea) of any origin.
It will enter into force on August 11, 2022.
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It will enter into force on August 11, 2022.
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EU: Communication on the Trade and Sustainable Development Review
A new communication from de European Commission on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) identifies policy priorities and key action points to further enhance the effectiveness of the current engagement-based approach to TSD.
The actions are across six priority areas:
The actions are across six priority areas:
- A comprehensive approach anchored in multilateral agreements and cooperation
- Country-specific implementation priorities
- Mainstream sustainability throughout the whole trade agreement
- Collective monitoring of sustainability commitments in trade agreements
- Reinforce the role of civil society
- Strengthen the enforcement of sustainability commitments
EU: Increased Controls for Certain Organic Products
The EU has confirmed increased controls for certain organic product-origin combinations as of July 1, 2022 until the end of the year for reassessment.
These additional control measures have to be applied exclusively to the following products and the operators producing, preparing, trading, storing or exporting organic food and feed with the following CN-codes.
These additional control measures have to be applied exclusively to the following products and the operators producing, preparing, trading, storing or exporting organic food and feed with the following CN-codes.
| Country | CN Code | Product |
| China | 1202 41 00 1202 42 00 |
Peanuts |
| Turkey | 0806 20 30 0806 20 90 |
Raisins |
| Vietnam | 0801 32 00 | Cashew nuts kernels |
EU-India Free Trade Agreement
The first round of EU-India FTA negotiations took place in New Delhi between June 27 and July 1, 2022, with parallel negotiations taking place on investment protection and geographical indications (GIs).
The negotiations were based on the 18 textual proposals submitted by the EU side, which included trade in goods, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, sustainable food systems and energy and raw materials.
The second round of negotiations will be held in Brussels from October 3-7, 2022.
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The negotiations were based on the 18 textual proposals submitted by the EU side, which included trade in goods, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, sustainable food systems and energy and raw materials.
The second round of negotiations will be held in Brussels from October 3-7, 2022.
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EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
On June 30, 2022, the European Union and New Zealand concluded negotiations for a Trade Agreement that is set to open significant economic opportunities for companies and consumers on both sides.
Highlights of the negotiations include:
Highlights of the negotiations include:
- Eliminating all tariffs on EU exports to New Zealand
- Ensuring non-discriminatory treatment to EU investors in New Zealand and vice versa
- Helping small businesses export more through a dedicated chapter on small and medium enterprises
- Significantly reducing compliance requirement and procedures to allow for quicker flow of goods
South Korea: Retail Foods
A recent USDA report presents an outlook of the Korean retail foods industry, analyzing advantages and challenges for market entry, among other topics. The Korean food processing industry relies heavily on imported commodities and ingredients. Imports of basic and intermediate agricultural products totaled $17 billion in 2021.
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