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 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
Competition may intensify in UK citrus market after EU deal
Egyptian citrus suppliers to the UK may need to adapt to maintain export growth following a new trade agreement between the EU and the UK, says Osama Saleh of HoudElNile
South African eyes are focused on Washington
Uncertainty remains as South African citrus growers gear up for conventional shipments to the US
UK and EU agree major agri-food deal
Removal of checks on fresh produce and plant health certificates among the detail now released under new ‘sanitary and phytosanitary zone’ and major realignment of food safety standards
New UK-EU deal to remove some checks on food exports
Fresh produce industry calls for more detail but welcomes signs of progress
Global seed sector gathers in Istanbul
World Seed Congress takes place this week amid ongoing trade discussions that threaten seed availability and food security
Lengthy list of challenges for Anton Rabe
The long-serving executive director of Hortgro has taken over as chairperson at Fruit South Africa
Brazilian grape suppliers meet importers in China
Abrafrutas president Guilherme Coelho updates Fruitnet on potential trade breakthroughs in Asia and Europe
Costa Rica mulls cost of potential US tariffs
Agricultural products like pineapples, bananas and coffee in the firing line
South African citrus executive lifts the veil on tariff issues
South African government and growers can come together to overcome imminent challenges, says the CGA’s Boitshoko Ntshabele
IFPA “encouraged” by US-UK trade agreement
Association urges officials to address non-tariff barriers that limit the movement of fresh products
Defra refuses to confirm July border checks
Efra committee grilling reveals internal government negotiations are holding up confirmation of 1 July border checks while Defra concedes implementation could be ‘pragmatic’
Consumers ‘will see price rises’ as UK produce firms face border chaos
A lack of detail ahead of planned checks and fees on fresh produce due to go live on 1 July is causing ‘chaos and turmoil’ in the industry
US tariffs tear into container shipping firm’s profit margin
Ocean Network Express predicts 75 per cent reduction in full-year profit for 2025/26 as a result of protectionist measures
Food security starts at home
The UK’s dependence on the Mediterranean leaves it vulnerable to the impact of increasingly frequent weather extremes to hit the region, including the devastating floods in southern Spain
Fruit Logistica: Strategies for adapting to changing markets
This Fresh Produce Forum session looked at how flexibility, resilience and adaptability could be improved to survive successfully in volatile and turbulent markets