India Removes Retaliatory Tariffs on US Almonds and Walnuts
On June 22, 2023, India and the United States announced an agreement to terminate six outstanding trade disputes. The agreement includes the removal of retaliatory tariffs, which India had imposed in response to the US Section 232 national security measures on steel and aluminum, on certain US products including almonds and walnuts. The announcement came as US President Joe Biden welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States for an official state visit. The retaliatory tariffs, which had been in force since June 2019, affected in-shell walnuts and in-shell and shelled almonds, among other US-origin products.
Australia-UK: Free Trade Agreement
On May 31, 2023, the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement came into effect, providing Australian farmers with enhanced access to a significant market and enabling them to expand their customer base. With over 99% of Australian goods imported into the UK becoming tariff-free, the FTA covers a range of products, including wine, medium- and short-grain rice, honey, most seafood, processed foods, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
EU: Marketing Standards, Commission Proposal
On April 21, 2023, the European Commission published two draft regulations on marketing standards applicable to a number of agri-food products, including nuts and dried fruits. The comment period ended May 19, 2023.
FRUCOM and the Waren-Verein have summarized the main changes introduced by the proposals as follows:
- Various nuts in shell shall continue to comply with EU marketing standards (or can do this by conforming to their specific UNECE standards).
- Sultanas will no longer be subject to a specific EU marketing standard, only to origin labeling.
- In the future, the origin of unprocessed nut kernels and dried fruits will have to be indicated on consumer packaging.
- The country of origin must be more visible than the country of the packer/distributor.
- Mixtures of several products can be labeled with the general designations of origin “EU,” “non-EU” or “EU and non-EU.”
- Products intended for further processing will not be subject to EU marketing standards or origin labeling, but must nevertheless be registered for import control (see below).
- All of the abovementioned products shall be registered with the national authority before import. This will also apply to products that are intended for further processing.
- All traders trading the above products will be required to register in a trader database (with the exception of retail).
- Processed nut kernels, e.g., roasted kernels, will not be affected so far. The CN codes mentioned in the draft regulation allow a clear differentiation to take place here.
- Coconuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, dates, peanuts and peanut kernels will NOT be affected by the regulations so far.
- The regulations shall both become valid on January 1, 2025.
EU: Protected Designation of Origin for ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi’ Walnuts
The European Commission has approved the inclusion of ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi’ from Türkiye as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It refers to a specific type of walnut that is cultivated in the Çağlayancerit Cevizi region.
The recognition of ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi’ as a PDO acknowledges the distinct characteristics and qualities associated with this specific type of walnut, highlighting the unique geographical and cultural factors that contribute to its exceptional production.
EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement
The EU and Kenya announced on June 19, 2023, the conclusion of the negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Agreement is expected to boost trade in goods and create new economic opportunities, with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya’s economic development. It includes sustainability provisions, such as climate and environmental protection and labor rights. The EPA will now undergo a process of legal revision, commonly known as “legal scrubbing,” to ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements.
EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
The EU and New Zealand signed on July 9, 2023, their free trade agreement (FTA). All tariffs on EU exports to New Zealand will be eliminated. The agreement has been forwarded to the European Parliament for its consent. Following the completion of the ratification process in both the EU and New Zealand, the deal enters into force.
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