EU Suspends Customs Tariffs on Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers for One Year

EU Suspends Customs Tariffs on Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers for One Year On May 22, 2026, the Council of the European Union approved a one-year suspension of customs duties on nitrogen-based fertilizers, including urea and ammonia, with an estimated savings of €60 million for EU farmers and the fertilizer industry. The suspension excludes imports from Russia and […]

The Fertilizer Crisis: A Supply Chain Wake-Up Call

The Fertilizer Crisis: A Supply Chain Wake-Up Call The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent global fertilizer prices to their highest levels since 2022, exposing a structural vulnerability in the agricultural supply chains. How the Crisis Unfolded: The current fertilizer shock traces its origins to late February 2026, when hostilities in Iran led […]

A Snapshot of Global Economic Conditions Shaping Global Trade

Trump-Xi Summit Fails to Yield Breakthrough on Tariffs The summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on May 14-15, 2026, did not lead to any new tariff agreements, according to a recent report by Oxford Economics. Given the lack of a significant breakthrough during Trump’s visit to China, Oxford Economics left […]

Prepare for El Niño

Fueled by unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions are developing and are set to influence global temperature and rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of extreme weather over the coming months. A new El Niño/La Niña Update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates an 80% likelihood of an El Niño event during […]

Regulatory News Affecting the Nut and Dried Fruit Trade

EU: Update on Timing of Increased Nickel ML in Pecans As noted in previous INC updates, the European Commission is working on raising the maximum level (ML) for nickel in pecans from 3.5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. According to FRUCOM, due to internal delays, a vote to amend the ML will not be possible in June […]

Updates on Policies Shaping Import and Export Conditions in Key Markets

Brazil-USA: Trump Administration Proposes 25% Tariff on Brazilian Goods On June 1, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed a 25% tariff on many imports from Brazil, after determining that the country had engaged in unfair trade practices in multiple areas, ranging from digital trade to deforestation. The proposal is being put forth […]

INC Presents Sustainability Certification to US Industry Professionals

Following the formalization of its partnership with DFA of California as an official auditing body, the INC Sustainability Certification continues to gain strong momentum with first audits now underway! Most recently, the program was presented by INC Sustainability Manager, Ramon Botet, at Safe Food California—DFA’s flagship annual conference held in Monterey from April 7–9. The […]

Food Safety Update

EU: Plant Protection Products Update The European Commission has published an implementing regulation on the methods of sampling and analysis, and on the interpretation of results for the official control of pesticide residues in and on food and feed of plant and animal origin. The new regulation, which repeals Directive 2002/63/EC and will apply from […]

INC Tariff Report & Updates

Iran: US Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports After Failed Peace Talks Following the breakdown of US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan on April 12, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, effective April 13. The announcement said the blockade would “be enforced impartially against vessels of […]