Open trade in food products between the EU and US is on its way following the agreement over the beef hormone dispute this week, industry believes – even though the stand off is not fully resolved.
US-grown roasted chicory is not expected to rise in price when trade tariffs are lifted in March, says its sole US supplier, because the pull of locally-produced food remains strong.
The Canadian government has pledged new funding for the Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada to allow food firms to attend international industry events and boost exports.
Potential changes to US trade policy with Cuba once president-elect Barack Obama takes office would significantly boost grain markets, the USDA has said.
The antidumping duties imposed on saccharin coming into the US from China that were put in place to protect the domestic market are to be reviewed, the International Trade Commission has announced.
Soybean producers are pooling resources to combat rising transport costs, compounded by heavy rain and flooding, in a move which could ultimately benefit food manufacturers, according to an industry analyst.
Global agriculture and trade for most commodities are set to centre
on developing countries in the next ten years - a prediction that
gives weight to food industry strategies to build a presence in
emerging markets.
Three major ingredients companies are alleging that Canadian and
Chinese citric acid producers are 'dumping' the ingredient onto the
US market at unfair prices, causing damage to the US industry.
The European Commission's ambassador to the United States, John
Bruton, has strongly criticized proposals that would tax imported
dairy products to pay for US promotional programs.
South Korea is set to increase GM imports from the US amid rising
food prices and dwindling supplies, as four leading corn starch and
sugar producers enter new agreements.
Organic produce that is flown into the UK may not be certified as
organic until it meets standards on ethical and fair trade, the
Soil Association proposed today, a decision that has stirred up
fears for the livelihoods of farmers...
Finding out about the food safety requirements and alerts in other
countries just got easier, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
launching a searchable database of member governments' measures.
A chocolate emulsifier ingredient from Palsgaard can now be used by
US manufacturers to replace the commonly-used soy lecithin,
following its recent approval by the nation's regulator.
The gross profit of US frozen fruit and vegetable manufacturers is
10 percent higher than other companies in the manufacturing sector,
according to report that examines the sector's business.
A rising global demand for sugar is set to be met by an increase in
production, leading to a more stable market and
prices, forecasts the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO).
It may be a lucrative time for farmers, but the continuing boom in
grain and meat prices will put the squeeze on plant managers to
find ways to cut costs out of their supply chains.
A sweetener industry body claims the current US sugar policy is
harming the nation's food and beverage industry by driving prices
up and sending production oversees.
Tate & Lyle has formed a joint enterprise to build and operate
a sugar plant in Israel, a move that will partially replace
traditional sugar imports from the European Union.
If the Chinese government gives in to mounting international
pressure to revalue its currency, it could spell the end of cheap
exports, a move that many anticipate would have a knock-on effect
on raw materials costs for the food industry....
Banana prices in the US have seen a significant increase in recent
months, as leading supplier Chiquita attempts to offset losses
after facing tough trading conditions in Europe.
Banana supplier Chiquita has reported a sharp fall in profits after
new European tariffs on bananas forced the company to slash its
prices in the region and increase its prices in North America in an
attempt to offset losses.
China has lifted a three-year ban on imports of selected cuts of US
beef that has been in place since the first case of mad cow disease
was detected in the nation.
The current move towards harmonising global regulations on
genetically modified food is a good thing, though agreement on
labelling remains as far away as ever, an IFT conference heard this
week.
French colloid firm CNI has been recognised by the government as
the best export agent of 2005, representing something of a coup for
the Iranex group-owned ingredients business.
A number of Japanese seafood and frozen food companies will this
year add new capacity for sushi products at plants in Thailand,
according to a report.
Tate & Lyle has formed a joint venture to build and operate a
sugar plant in Israel, a move that will partially replace
traditional sugar imports from the European Union.
Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel explains why the formal adoption
this week of the EU sugar reforms was vital, and why it doesn't
mean the end for Europe's sugar industry.
A US industry body has commended the WTO's ruling that the EU and
six member states broke trade rules by barring entry to GM crops
and foods, something that has had a significant impact on the
nation's food industry.
The EU has attacked the US for 'seriously twisting the truth about
the value of the European Unions agricultural market access offer
in the Doha Round'.
Soaring sugar prices are set to continue with supplies remaining
tight, despite increased production, according to the US Department
of Agriculture (USDA).
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will allow
extra sugar imports into the country in an effort to prevent market
shortages after hurricane damage to sugarcane crops, delayed sugar
beet harvests, disruptions...
Now that the US authorities have issued final guidance under the
Bioterrorism Act, companies can now have assurance about the food
safety systems they have implemented or are about to put in place,
and the costs involved in complying...
The week started with the US making a firm commitment to cut
domestic farm subsidies but ended in disappointment at the WTO.
Politics as normal, or is an agreement doomed?
A firm commitment from the US to cut domestic farm subsidies by 60
percent within a five-year timeframe could revitalize WTO
negotiations and benefit US food makers, according to the
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has called for
substantial reductions in 'trade distorting tariffs and subsidies'
and a rejection of the EU's proposals regarding geographical
indications.
The EU today submitted a new lower tariff of €187 per tonne for
bananaimports, after its previous proposals on opening up the
bloc's market wererejected by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has hailed the House of
Representatives' passing of the Central American - Dominican
Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) as victory for US food
makers.
The WTO's ruling on the illegality of Japan's import barriers on US
apples brings closer the possibility of both internationally
recognised standards and American trade sanctions.
The Central America Free Trade Agreement narrowly passed its first
Congressional test yesterday, but only after concessions were made
to the sugar industry writes Anthony Fletcher.
American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman agues that
the sugar industry is wrong to oppose the ratification of the
Central American Free Trade Agreement, writes Anthony
Fletcher.
Industry groups claim that the benefits NAFTA has brought to the US
food industry shows why Congress must ratify the Central American
Free Trade Agreement, though the vote is likely to be close,
writes Anthony Fletcher.
