Watch our new monthly video series, INC News Recap
Trade & Tariff Update
US Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs; Trump Announces New 15% Global Baseline Rate
The biggest tariff news this month was the US Supreme Court decision striking down most of Donald Trump’s tariffs on the grounds that his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was unlawful. Shortly after the ruling was published, Trump issued a presidential proclamation imposing a 10% worldwide baseline tariff for 150 days, before later announcing his intention to raise it to 15%. Against this backdrop, some countries are reassessing their bilateral trade deals with the US. In other trade news, China has reduced the import VAT for walnut oil and will grant zero-tariff treatment for goods imported from 53 African countries. [Read more]
Iran Hostilities Bring Persian Gulf Shipping to Standstill
Cargo ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean—has ground to a halt since the outbreak of hostilities in Iran in late February, raising the specter of broad supply chain disruptions, as reported by AP News. In light of the ongoing situation, MSC has declared an “end of voyage” for shipments destined for Gulf ports. In a recent overview of shipping disruptions caused by the conflict, Kuehne+Nagel noted that major shipping lines have halted bookings, rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope and imposed war risk surcharges.
Industry News and Outlook
INC Delegation Meets With Key Officials at India’s Agriculture Ministry
A delegation of INC leadership members recently held a series of strategic meetings in New Delhi with senior officials from India’s Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Led by INC Chairman Ashok Krishen, the group—which included Executive Committee members Pratap Nair and Michael Waring, as well as INC Ambassador to India Raju Bhatia—met with Horticulture Commissioner Dr. Prabhat Kumar and Joint Secretary Shri Priya Ranjan. [Read more]
INC Works With UN Organizations
The INC has been participating in an electronic working group, convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), tasked with developing a Code of Good Practice for Food Loss and Waste Prevention in Dry and Dried Produce. The INC is also taking part in an electronic working group that is revising the UNECE Agricultural Quality Standard for Dates, which held its second meeting in February. Both groups will present their final proposals to the UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce in May 2026.
Sustainability News
This month’s sustainability roundup includes information about the first methodologies established under the EU’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation to certify activities that permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as the European Parliament’s support for amendments to the EU climate law to include a new, intermediate and binding 2040 EU climate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. In addition, the government of Queensland, Australia, is now accepting applications for Drought Preparedness Grants from primary producers.
Food Safety Developments
On the food safety front, the EU has raised the frequency of aflatoxin checks on Turkish pistachios and US pistachios shipped via Türkiye from 30% to 50%, and South Africa has set new maximum levels for aflatoxins in various nuts and dried fruits that will apply from February 2028. This month’s roundup also includes information about the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) that took place in January, including the JMPR’s decision to recommend that acetamiprid be prioritized for a periodic re-evaluation.
Labeling Updates
This month’s labeling update focuses on the decision by the Council of the European Union, in its agriculture and fisheries configuration, to support the European Commission’s proposal to update and simplify the rules on organic production, plus the Commission’s subsequent launch of a public consultation on the proposal. [Read more]
Health & Nutrition Highlights
Peanut Butter Supplementation May Improve Physical Function in Older Adults
According to a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, daily peanut butter consumption may improve certain measures of physical function in older adults. In this trial, 120 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older were randomly assigned either to receive 43 grams of peanut butter per day or to maintain their usual care over a six-month period. The researchers assessed various measures of physical function both at baseline and at six months. Statistical analysis showed that the peanut butter group saw significantly more improvement… [Read more]
Legume and Nut Intake Associated With Better and Longer Sleep
A recent study published in Food & Function found that eating more legumes and nuts is associated with better sleep quality and longer sleep duration. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between legume and nut intake, sleep quality and quantity, and levels of inflammation and oxidative stress—crucial modifiable factors for sleep health. Researchers used a multistage cluster random sampling approach to select 535 participants and assessed their dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Sleep metrics were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index… [Read more]
INC Events & Initiatives
Submit Your Project for the Sustainability & Innovation Awards
Don’t wait—applications are open and we want to see your projects! The INC Sustainability & Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding initiatives and forward-thinking solutions in the global nut and dried fruit industry. Winners will be honored during the INC Congress in Macao. This is your chance to win your project on a global stage! The application form and submission guidelines are available on our website. Submitting your entry is quick and easy. [Apply now]
INC Congress: Register, Secure Accommodation, and Join the Golf Tournament!
INC Congress registration has hit nearly 1,000 participants. Register now to make sure you don’t miss out! And while you’re at it, book your stay at the Andaz Macao and enjoy our INC-exclusive discounts. Rooms are filling quickly, so we strongly recommend securing your accommodation now—the other official hotel is already sold out! Finally, sign up for our Golf Tournament on May 11 at the stunning Macao International Golf Club for a day of sport, networking, and camaraderie.
Join the 2026 China Immersive Industry Experience
Get ready for an exceptional opportunity! From May 9-11, 2026, gain firsthand access to China’s leading players in the nut and dried fruit industry. Through site visits, technical insights, and executive-level networking, explore the innovation, sustainability, and supply chain strategies shaping the global market. Visits include Chacha (headquarters, high-tech manufacturing facilities, and a pecan farm); Three Squirrels (headquarters, smart factory, and brand theme park); and the Port of Hong Kong. This program is open exclusively to Congress attendees or Academia alumni. [Enroll now]
SIAL Paris 2026: Exhibitor Applications Open!
Exhibitor applications are open for SIAL Paris, October 17-21, 2026. With multiple participation options available within the INC Pavilion, you can choose the format that best aligns with your business objectives. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to showcase your products to a global audience. [Apply to exhibit]