Latest news on international tariff disputes
All the latest important developments on import tariffs and how they affect the fresh produce trade.
South African citrus crop set to exceed 180mn cartons
South Africa’s citrus industry is on track to exceed 180mn cartons this season, representing an 11 per cent increase from May forecasts, with lemons and mandarins showing particularly strong growth
South African citrus growers pile pressure on president Ramaphosa
With just days before US tariffs triple from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, South Africa’s citrus industry has made an urgent appeal to president Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and secure an extension that would save the current export season
New Zealand kiwifruit growers conclude successful harvest season
Industry leader Colin Bond comments on positive market outlook, although potential US tariffs remain a concern for exporters
Poland seeks new apple opportunities
Apple group Genesis Fresh has maintained its export volumes and is actively exploring new markets despite a weather-affected drop in volumes this season, according to Jan Nowakowski
Moldova secures enhanced EU market access for fresh produce
Moldovan fresh produce exporters are set to benefit from increased EU market access following an update to the trade agreement between the two parties, with higher quotas for several key fruit categories and new duty-free access for tomatoes and garlic
Brazilian mango and grape exports to US at risk from tariff plan
Brazilian fruit association warns that exports of mangoes and grapes to the US are under serious threat from planned tariffs set to take effect in August
US tariffs force South African fruit exporters to rethink strategy
South African fruit exporters are preparing for significant market disruption as impending US tariffs force a strategic pivot toward alternative destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia
South African citrus exports to US face tariff deadline
South African citrus exporters are racing against time as their conventional reefer programme to the US enters its final phase before new tariffs take effect on 1 August
South African grape exporters alarmed by proposed US tariff
South African Table Grape Industry warns that proposed 30 per cent US tariff could undermine recent export growth and threaten livelihoods in the sector
US Northwest pear industry set for production rebound in 2025/26
After several seasons of reduced volumes, Oregon and Washington pear growers are anticipating a significant production increase for 2025/26, with plans to strategically expand exports despite global market challenges
US tariff plan leaves Brazilian mango and grape producers reeling
With the country’s mango and grape harvests just days away, producers are scrambling for solutions after the US announced a 50 per cent import tariff starting August 1, potentially diverting fruit to other markets
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality
US tomato supply ‘at risk’ if Mexican trade agreement ends
Over 30 major business organisations warn the US could struggle to source enough fresh tomatoes if government terminates countries’ long-standing trade agreement
Antwerp-Bruges port sees mixed H1 results amid congestion challenges
Container traffic increased by 3.7 per cent to 6.91m TEUs despite overall throughput declining by 4.3 per cent, with US trade emerging as a significant bright spot amid persistent terminal congestion issues
New tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
South African citrus industry under threat from US tariffs
South Africa’s agriculture minister has warned that the country’s citrus industry faces severe challenges from impending US tariffs, potentially undermining job creation and economic growth in rural communities
Trump tariffs will hit South African fruit exports hard
South African fresh produce exporters are bracing for a major blow as the US imposes 30 per cent tariffs from 1 August, potentially derailing established trade programs and threatening rural employment
Mexican mango producers look beyond the US amid tariff threats
On-off US tariff questions have created a wave of uncertainty for Mexico’s exporters, and this is undoubtedly true for the mango sector
UK used pallet market faces price uplift
The National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD) has issued a warning that rising raw material costs are placing significant pressure on the UK’s used pallet market, with timber prices continuing to climb
Tense times in Cape citrus groves as US tariff pause counts down
South African citrus exporters are facing a critical week as the 90-day pause on new 30 per cent US tariffs expires on 9 July, potentially hitting the Cape citrus industry at the height of its export season.
The future is bright for tropicals
Fruitnet Tropicals Congress hears how quality, consistency and better marketing are key to boosting sales
Malaysian government proposes 5 per tax on imported fruit
Sales and service tax aimed at bolstering demand for local produce set to begin on 1 July
Is the EU deal simply passing on the BTOM?
Comment: Will the new UK/EU deal signal the end of delays over border food classification, asks IPP’s regional managing director Andy Maddock
US-South Africa chicken deal agreed – could fruit be next?
It has been another critical week for South African trade negotiations with US, with Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa meeting at the G-7 summit in Canada
Tariffs in the spotlight as Port of LA volumes slow
Uncertainty over trade tariffs is causing “hardship for consumers, businesses and labour”
EU deal ‘won’t begin until 2027’, says NFU president
In a wide-ranging interview on stage at Festival of Fresh, Tom Bradshaw covered trade deals, PO funding, energy costs and how food and farming policies will affect fresh produce
Could trade wars derail exciting fruit branding initiatives?
Successful cultivar branding initiatives rely on worldwide production of high-quality fruit that meets strict requirements
Stannuco shows benefits of automation in aubergines
Belgian aubergine producer Stannuco’s automated greenhouse is the result of more than a decade of observation, experience and learning, according to owner Steven Van Nuffelen
Fruit and veg avoid Brexit border chaos
Fresh Produce Consortium helps postpone border checks for EU imports in what CEO describes as “landmark win”
Quality key for Belgian curly endives
Dirk Declercq, chairman of the REO auction in Roeselare, West Flanders, believes specialist, high-end products like curly endives still have an important role to play at the auction
Diversification crucial for South African citrus
The country should expand its citrus markets to counter challenges such as the US trade tariff dispute
South African citrus industry optimistic following Washington talks
Details of trade talks in Washington DC between the US and South Africa and reaction thereto are slowly beginning to emerge
Trump threatens 50 per cent tariff on EU imports
President recommends drastic move and says US trade negotations with European Union are “going nowhere”
Local focus for Belgian suppliers
Global instability is encouraging Belgian suppliers to stay close to home when it comes to strawberry and tomato exports, with the UK remaining a key destination despite the post-Brexit uncertainty
Antwerp-Bruges reports on Q1 throughput
Port says that strong container throughput restricted downturn in an “eventful” first quarter of 2025
Syria battles drought, as sanctions are lifted
The removal of sanctions on Syria may help the country respond to severe drought conditions, including by modernising irrigation systems and boosting productivity