Latest news on international tariff disputes
All the latest important developments on import tariffs and how they affect the fresh produce trade.
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
Freshfel questions EU-Indonesia trade deal benefits for fresh produce
Freshfel has raised concerns about the EU’s new trade agreement with Indonesia, warning that benefits for fresh produce exports remain uncertain due to unresolved sanitary and phytosanitary barriers despite tariff eliminations
South Africa seeks US tariff relief for fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are hoping for adjustments to 30 per cent US tariffs before the new season, as trade minister Parks Tau confirms negotiations have entered a critical phase
USDA awards US$8.3mn to expand specialty crop exports
The US Department of Agriculture has allocated US$8.3mn in funding to help 11 recipients address trade barriers and expand international market access for specialty crops through its Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops programme
B20 highlights challenging global trade environment amid geopolitical tensions
The influential G20 business engagement group has warned that geopolitical tensions are creating a challenging global trade environment, with economic growth prospects revised downward
Global blueberry leaders gather in Cape Town for IBO Summit
The International Berry Organization Summit opens in Cape Town this week, bringing together global blueberry players as Southern African producers seek new market opportunities and regional cooperation
Genesis Fresh eyes global expansion despite labour shortages
Polish exporter Genesis Fresh is preparing for a larger apple crop this season while navigating climate uncertainties and labour shortages
South Africa eyes promising stonefruit season despite challenges
South African stonefruit growers are looking ahead to a positive season following last year’s significant volume increases, though US tariffs present new challenges
Freshfel slams “asymmetric” EU-US trade deal for fresh produce
The European fresh produce association has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an unfair trade agreement that removes tariffs for US exporters while maintaining significant barriers for EU producers
Alternatives sought for Brazilian foods hit by Trump tariff
The Brazilian government has responded to the US’s move to slap a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian produce by facilitating direct purchases for use in public schools and hospitals
US tariffs push South Africa closer to Eastern markets
South Africa is rapidly expanding market access for its fresh produce in Eastern markets, particularly China and India, as US tariffs of 30 per cent force exporters to seek alternative destinations
South Africa’s blueberry sector rebounds with promising growth outlook
After several challenging years of declining production, South Africa’s blueberry industry is poised for a comeback with strong volumes expected during the peak season over the next two months
Fruitbox 115 · Daniel Sauvaitre & Philippe Binard, World Apple & Pear Association
Recorded live at Prognosfruit 2025, the latest episode of Fruitbox brings you instant reaction to this year’s European apple and pear production forecasts
Video: Tariff tension triggers Canadian concern
Seeds & Stems’ Sav Tsoukalas discusses how US tariff policy and Canada’s own response is reshaping supply chains, changing retail buying patterns, and influencing consumer choices in the country’s fresh produce market
South Africa continues talks with US over new tariffs
South African government officials are continuing discussions with US counterparts to address new 30 per cent tariffs on fresh produce exports, though diplomatic tensions appear to be rising
Video: FreshLinc’s Lee Juniper on border controls and driver shortages
CEO of produce haulier FreshLinc, Lee Juniper, tells Nina Pullman how the haulage industry will adapt again despite new UK-EU reset deal leaving new border control posts empty
IFPA Southern Africa Conference addresses export challenges
The International Fresh Produce Association’s fourth Southern Africa Conference brought together industry leaders to address evolving challenges and opportunities across the fresh produce supply chain
US tariff deadline looms for South African exporters
Citrus exporters from South Africa are rushing to ship their final consignments before new 30 per cent US tariffs take effect, while industry bodies warn of significant long-term consequences for the country’s R2.4bn citrus export market
South African exporters left hanging on for another seven days
South African fresh produce exporters have been granted a seven-day extension to address impending 30 per cent US tariffs, though industry sources believe higher duties are now unavoidable
Fresh Del Monte reports sales and profit growth in Q2
The global fresh produce giant has announced increased net sales and profit for the second quarter of 2025, driven by strong performance in fresh and value-added products
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