Australia-US: New Access for Australian Roasted Macadamia Nuts
Australia can now export roasted macadamia nuts —in their shell or husk— to the United States. The new market access comes after Australia provided scientific evidence that the roasting process removed phytosanitary pest risks. The US Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service subsequently updated their import requirements.
Cambodia: National Policy on Cashew Nuts 2022-2027 Approved
On January 13, 2023, the draft National Policy on Cashew Nuts 2022-2027 was approved by the cabinet ministers in a plenary session.
Main points of the strategy include:
- Vision to develop cashew production, processing and market to be inclusively competitive,
- Ensuring sustainability and economic diversification, through enhancing production output with competitive quality,
- Promoting industrialization to increase the added value of harvesting and processing by 25 percent by 2027 and at least 50 percent by 2032,
- And booting exports via market diversification, export-related cross-sectoral linkages, trade facilitation, cost reduction, and competitive advantage promotion.
France-Spain: Signature of the Treaty of Barcelona
On the occasion of the 27th Franco-Spanish Summit, in Barcelona, on January 19, 2023, France and Spain signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation between both countries. In terms of agricultural cooperation, they agreed to work together to promote agro-ecological transition of food systems, the development of sustainable agriculture, and the protection and promotion of protected geographical indications. It also includes food quality, as well as cooperation in official controls, agri-food laboratories and food fraud. It also aims to collaborate in the areas of animal and plant health and coordinate to promote ambitious food safety standards at European level.
UK-Nigeria: Tariff Reduction on Nigerian Exports
According to Bloomberg, the UK government has cut tariffs and extended duty-free trade in over 3000 goods exported from Nigeria, including certain agricultural commodities. It was announced during the launch of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) in Lagos.
USA-EU Sign Tariff Rate Quota Agreement
On January 17, the United States and the EU signed the U.S.-EU Tariff Rate Quota Agreement. The agreement, once implemented, will enable the United States to preserve its existing access to the EU market for various agricultural commodities following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU on January 1, 2021. The Agreement will restore favorable market access for multiple agricultural products, including almonds.
USA: Opportunities for Consumer-Oriented Products in Peru
Circulated on January 18, 2023, this USDA International Agricultural Trade Report analyzes consumption and market trends and economic perspectives for products from the USA in Peru.
As for nuts, the report indicates that:
- Exports of tree nuts to Peru have risen nearly 1,700 percent, eclipsing $9.2 million in 2021. Fresh or dried almonds account for more than half of total value.
- Peruvian importers have a strong preference for the quality and pricing of nuts from the USA instead of competitors for retail sale and as ingredients in confectionery.
- Nuts are also gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers as natural alternatives to processed snacks. As a result, sales are projected to increase 44 percent in the next 5 years.
- USA has the largest market share of tree nuts at 35 percent, ahead of both Brazil (31 percent) and Chile (18 percent).