Latest news on international tariff disputes
All the latest important developments on import tariffs and how they affect the fresh produce trade.
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
Mexican tomato growers voice concerns of Trump tariff
Government in talks with US authorities to try to head off imposition of a 20.91 per cent tariff from July
Poor weather delays California cherry season
Industry expects decreased volumes across Bing and Coral production
Port of Rotterdam throughput down 5.8 per cent in Q1
Container throughput increased by 2.2 per cent in TEU terms in the first quarter, although it fell in tonnage
Changing export markets is easier said than done
South African fresh produce exporters who market their fruit in the US say it is not merely a case of shifting produce from one market to another to deal with looming US tariffs
First quarter throughput drop at Antwerp-Bruges
Port says it saw strong container throughput, with downturn restricted in an “eventful” first quarter
South Africa-India trade agreement hopes raised
A South African delegation has returned from a visit after positive talks on a new trade deal with Indian authorities
US tariffs – expect the unexpected
John Giles, divisional director of Promar International, analyses the likely fallout from Trump’s new tariff regime
Shaffe president writes to Donald Trump to express tariff concerns
Southern Hemisphere fresh produce body warns of major disruption to global supply chains, negative market stability, and higher prices for consumers
Reciprocal tariffs “should exclude vulnerable countries”
UNCTAD has again warned of the damage trade wars could have on developing nations with weaker and smaller economies
French apples gain access to Mexican market
Following years of negotiations, French apples have gained entry to Mexico, with Interfel calling on exporters to pursue this new market with ambition
Trump’s tariff policy hits global container shipping bookings
Bookings down 48 per cent week-on-week following tariff chaos
Turkish stonefruit battles through cold spell
Turkish exporters anticipate a good cherry season despite an untimely bout of frost across various stonefruit regions, which has hit apricot and cherry production in some areas
South African grape exports “at risk” of Trump tariffs
The industry is “deeply concerned” over the impact of the new US tariffs
The US hikes China tariffs to 125 per cent
Announcement comes as Trump puts 90-day pause on most other imposed tariffs subjecting them to a baseline 10 per cent rate
LatAm countries mull impact of Trump tariffs
As one of the region’s biggest exports to the US, fruit is in the direct line of fire
Vietnam cuts duties on US fruit as it negotiates Trump tariffs
US fruit exporters benefit from attempts to negotiate with Trump administration
US tariffs on South African citrus set to hurt growers as season starts
Growers and rural communities set to feel the effects of 30 per cent tariffs as well as South Africa’s other key markets
Dynamism on display at Fresh Produce India
India’s premier business event explores the rapid rise of quick commerce, shifting consumer preferences and growth in demand for premium imported offerings
Trump tariffs “an opportunity’ for Catalan fruit exporters
Canada and Mexico seeking new suppliers as fears of trade war mount
UNCTAD warning over escalating trade tensions
As tariffs take the headlines, the global trade system is entering a critical phase that threatens vulnerable and poor economies in particular
Trump tariffs could shake up almond market
Australian almond exporters eye market share gains as US suppliers face headwinds
South Africa adopts cautious approach to tariffs
Citrus sources say they are assessing the tariff announcements by US president Donald Trump