Latest news on international tariff disputes
All the latest important developments on import tariffs and how they affect the fresh produce trade.
US tree fruit group hails Indonesia trade deal
Northwest Horticultural Council says elimination of tariffs and import licensing on US tree fruits will help double exports to Indonesia
Efficiency is the enemy of resilience, Lang warns the NFU
Professor Tim Lang told the NFU conference that British food supply chains are unable to withstand shocks such as geopolitical turmoil or cyber warfare
Taiwan to eliminate tariffs on key US fruit exports under new trade deal
US apples, cherries, peaches and pears among wide range of fruits to enjoy duty-free access under reciprocal trade agreement
Comment: Greenhouse tech is often ‘too costly to scale’
Technological complexity and high costs will continue to restrict growth of covered production, especially in the US, says Kubo CEO
South Africa gains access to Korea for table grapes
Deal comes after two decades of negotiations, but high tariffs may mean a false start
South African citrus industry welcomes AGOA but notes lack of impact
The country’s citrus industry says this week’s inclusion of South Africa in AGOA will make no material differences to prospects for exports to the US
AGOA extension welcomed but tariffs remain on South African fruit
President Trump extends AGOA for one year, but South Africans say it will not change trade options for the country’s fruit
Fruit Logistica European Statistics Handbook 2026
Despite climate pressures, cost burdens and regional shifts, Europe’s fruit trade remains competitive
Korea reopens tariff exemptions for imported fruits
Imports of bananas, pineapples and mangoes to be tariff-free from 12 February to 30 June
Greek stonefruit growers eye spring outlook
Following a challenging frost-affected season last year, cherry and peach producers in the northern Greek region of Naoussa are hoping for better conditions
IFPA’s 2025 Impact Report showcases “major wins” for industry
The report showcases IFPA progress across several areas including trade, food safety, sustainability, and labour policy
Korean citrus growers call for support as US import tariff phased out
Sharp increase in US mandarin imports coincide with planned tariff phase-out, sparking fears for local industry
NZ apples and kiwifruit clinch “world-first” deals under India FTA
India to halve import duty on New Zealand apples and eliminate tariff on kiwifruit within quotas under landmark free trade deal
EU-Mercosur deal still “unacceptable”, warns Copa-Cogeca
European farming association Copa-Cogeca has urged the EU to reject the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which it says risks further destabilising the agricultural sector
New Zealand apple exporters look for US alternatives as tariffs bite
One Hawke’s Bay grower will divert volume away from the US as he readies for significant crop of large apples this season
Strong start for South African table grapes
Table grape industry targets close to 80mn export cartons this season despite US tariff challenge and increased competition in Europe
South African table grape industry responds to US tariff adjustments
The South African Table Grape Industry has welcomed recent US tariff reductions on agricultural products but expressed disappointment that table grapes and other key fruit exports were excluded from the exemptions
IFPA welcomes Trump administration tariff exemptions for fresh produce
The International Fresh Produce Association has welcomed the Trump administration’s announcement of new tariff exemptions for goods not produced domestically in sufficient quantities, saying the move will help keep fruits and vegetables affordable
South African citrus industry welcomes US decision to remove tariffs on oranges
CGA CEO says the new exemption is “great news” and calls for an extention to include the country’s mandarin exports
Trump drops tariffs on range of fruits
Bananas, avocados, tomatoes and oranges among multiple fruits to gain relief as US president rolls back reciprocal tariffs on more than 100 agricultural products
Future of tomatoes in the spotlight in Malaga
Tomato experts gathered in the Spanish city of Malaga this week for Fruitnet Tomato Congress, a two-day event highlighting the big future challenges facing the category, as well as the opportunities and solutions for businesses
South African stonefruit sector optimistic for strong season
South African producers are optimistic for a strong stonefruit season on the back of increased production, favourable weather and improvements to address long-running logistical issues
Maersk’s European customers expect supply chain disruptions to persist
Current disruptions in global supply chains show no signs of abating and likely won’t for the foreseeable future, according to a new AP Moller-Maersk survey of over 900 European companies
Market conditions facilitate record-breaking South African citrus season
Exceptional overseas demand for processing-grade citrus and improved logistics efficiency helped South African citrus exports surge 22 per cent to a record 203.4mn cartons in 2025, though the industry warns of challenges ahead from US tariffs
Canada invests to reduce produce sector’s dependence on US
Country’s fresh produce industry set to benefit from new financial support aimed at expanding export markets and overcoming transport challenges
South African export logistics sector shows major improvement
Government agencies and private sector collaboration has delivered significant operational efficiencies across South Africa’s export logistics network, with the citrus industry shipping record volumes and port facilities showing marked improvements
Positive outlook for California navel season
Ideal weather conditions produce high-quality, large-sized fruit with CDFA forecasting increased volumes compared to last season
South African citrus industry says stronger partnerships are needed
The South African citrus industry has achieved a record export season with 203mn cartons shipped, significantly surpassing initial predictions and reinforcing the sector’s growth trajectory towards its 2032 Vision 260 target
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show concludes after “transformative days”
The International Fresh Produce Association’s flagship event attracted attendees from more than 50 countries, with record buyer engagement and major announcements including a new data intelligence platform
Rijk Zwaan champions ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan continues to develop its portfolio of tomato varieties with high resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges
Greece prepares for tough kiwifruit campaign
Grower expectations for higher prices are putting pressure on Greek kiwifruit exporters ahead of the new season, as Greek volumes continue to grow as the European market slows
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
South Africa nears US trade deal to ease export tariffs
Trade minister Parks Tau says the two countries are close to finalising a deal that could ease damaging tariffs and protect thousands of local jobs in the fresh produce sector
South Africa relaunches WTO process over EU citrus dispute
South Africa has relaunched its World Trade Organization process to resolve the long-running dispute with the European Union over citrus trade restrictions, despite recent strengthening of bilateral relations amid the US tariff war
South African citrus exports surge past 200mn cartons
South African citrus growers are celebrating a record export season, with shipments now expected to exceed 200mn cartons despite early closures to key EU and US markets due to regulatory and tariff challenges
Italian pear exporters ready for Ecuador market opening
Select group of companies will ship the fruit to Ecuador for first time in 2026, after inspectors from the South American country completed a successful tour of orchards and packhouses