On January 17, 2026, the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) signed the EU-Mercosur agreement, the culmination of negotiations started in 1999. Agricultural liberalization was one of the most politically sensitive components of the negotiations, resulting in phased tariff reductions and safeguards for select agricultural products. The Brazilian agricultural sectors expected to see the greatest export gains by value include vegetable oils and fats, pork and poultry meat, and other food products. By percentage, notable increases are also anticipated for Brazilian beef, sugar, and rice exports. The European Commission estimates the agreement will boost EU agricultural exports to Mercosur by approximately 49 percent, most notably beverages, fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, and dairy. While Mercosur countries are expected to quickly ratify the agreement, the timeline for EU ratification is less certain.
Post forecasts lower beef imports in 2026 as China implements a tariff-rate quota framework safeguard measure that caps import volumes amid continued weak demand. Post forecasts pork imports to decline modestly in 2026, as ample domestic supply and China's anti-dumping duties on EU pork raise import costs and weigh on demand.
On January 1, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) published the VAT Administrative Guidelines for the Value Added Tax Act No. 1151 (2025); Administrative Guideline Number: GRA/AG/002 (date of issue, 31 December 2025). The guideline provides clarity and guidance to GRA's officers, tax preparers, consultants, taxpayers, and the general public. The reform measures eliminate the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy of 1%, while incorporating the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) of 2.5% and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy of 2.5% into the overall standard VAT base. Under the new VAT framework, statutory levies are applied on a single tax base rather than being layered sequentially. The old system of adding levies (i.e., NHIL, GETFund, COVID-19 — that total up to 6%) to costs prior to applying the VAT rate of 15% is scrapped. The new reform measures reduces tax compounding, lowering costs for importers of food (including from the United States), distributors, retailers, as well as for consumers.
India's biofuels sector is advancing rapidly with strong government support. However, it faces challenges including feedstock variability, environmental concerns, and policy shifts that have caused uneven capacity utilization and resource competition. The expansion of sugar and grain-based ethanol production creates significant opportunities for U.S. stakeholders, particularly in exporting industrial ethanol supplies and advanced biofuel technologies. India has established Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending targets for international flights and is building domestic production capacity through strategic partnerships. Additionally, India is developing Sustainable Marine Fuel alternatives—including green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels. India Energy Week 2026 highlighted India's status as a major energy player with significant opportunities for the U.S. in energy technologies and alternative fuels.
THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026 will take place May 26-30, 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. As one of Asia's premier food and beverage trade exhibitions and a USDA-endorsed trade show, the event will showcase innovative products across multiple categories and attract key industry stakeholders from throughout the region. U.S. exporters and industry groups interested in participating in the show and exhibiting inside the USA Pavilion can find more information in this report.
Turkiye's HRI sector continues to grapple with rising inflation and economic uncertainty, while sales in terms of U.S. dollars have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Persistent inflation has eroded consumer buying power, continuing the trend of cheaper dining options versus more expensive, sit-down restaurants. Tourism throughout Turkiye is making a comeback, helping to increasing overall HRI sales, and there remain several sectors that are ripe for U.S. exports.
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