Chile: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
In February 2023, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in Chile, making it the eleventh country to become a member of this free trade agreement along with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
EU: Application for a PDO of ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi’ Walnuts from Türkiye
On February 22, 2023, an application was published in the Official Journal of the European Union for a protected designation of origin (PDO) for the ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi’ from Türkiye.
According to the application, Çağlayancerit Cevizi is a walnut in medium size, 16 g/piece, and its fullness is around 99%. The ratio of its kernel weight to fruit weight is in the range of 53-54%. Walnut width is approximately 33-35 mm, length is between 40-44 mm and shell thickness is 1-1.10 mm. The shell is easily broken, and the kernel can be easily removed. It is sold in dried form with or without shell.
EU: Pili Nuts Now Authorized in the EU Market
On February 9, 2023, the Official Journal of the European Union published the regulation that authorizes dried nuts of Canarium ovatum Engl., also known as “pili nuts”, to be placed on the EU market as a traditional food from a third country.
EU: Renewed Trade Benefits for Ukraine
The European Commission has proposed to renew the suspension of import duties, quotas, and trade defense measures on Ukrainian exports to the European Union –known as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs)– for another year. The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
The Commission has opened a public consultation on the proposal for the renewal of temporary trade liberalization measures applicable to Ukrainian products. Feedback can be given between February 27 and April 25, 2023, and the eight-week feedback period will be extended every day until this adopted proposal is available in all EU languages.
Türkiye-Uzbekistan: Preferential Trade Agreement Ratified
The ratification of the Preferential Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Uzbekistan was signed on February 22, 2023. The list of Uzbek goods includes almonds, dried apricots, peanuts, raisins, and walnuts.
USA: Pre-Solicitation Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Walnuts
On March 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to purchase walnuts for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, with the purpose to encourage the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce.
A solicitation will be issued and will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system.
USA-India: Tariff Reduction on Imports of Pecans
India is cutting tariffs on imports of pecans from 100% to 30%. The Minister of Finance of India made the announcement when he presented the 2023-2024 Budget on February 1, 2023.