| The following GAIN reports were released on July 3, 2025. _______ With a population of more 36 million people, including a segment of high-income consumers looking for quality imported products, Angola presents an array of export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. Angola is a significant importer of food and agricultural goods, making foreign purchases totaling more than $2.1 billion from more than 60 countries in 2024, an increase of 19 percent on imports from the previous year. Middle- and high-income consumers, especially in the capital of Luanda, are looking for quality imported goods. Post has identified the following consumer-oriented product categories with the most potential for U.S. exports: poultry, beef, pork, bulk soy and palm oil, sauces and condiments, wheat, distilled spirits, and wine. The Caribbean Basin region continues to experience growth, driven primarily by the steady rise in tourism, which in turn impacts consumer demand. In 2024, U.S. agricultural exports of consumer-oriented products to the region reached $1.64 billion, a 6 percent gain when compared with 2023. U.S. exporters seeking to expand into new markets will find opportunities in the region due to its relative economic stability and growing demand for a diverse range of food and beverage products. Chile presents strong opportunities for U.S. exporters, supported by its open economy, transparent regulatory environment, and long-standing Free Trade Agreement with the United States. In 2024, Chile remains one of the Latin America's most stable and business-friendly markets, with a solid middle class, high urbanization, and growing demand of high-quality imported products. Chilean consumers show a strong preference for U.S. brands, particularly in categories such as dairy products, pork, beef, and poultry products, condiments and sauces, beer and distilled spirits, and confectionary products. U.S. exporters benefit from zero tariffs on most goods, a well-developed distribution network, and a retail sector receptive to innovation and premium offerings. China remains a leading producer of food and agricultural products, as well as a top market for U.S. agricultural exports. Demand for U.S. agricultural and food products remained strong with imports of U.S. consumer-oriented products totaling $7.1 billion, according to China's import data. This annual report provides practical tips for U.S. agricultural exporters on how to conduct business in China, including information on export opportunities, local business practices, consumer preferences, including food standards regulations, and import and inspection procedures. The Dominican Republic (DR) is ranked among the top three destination markets in the Western Hemisphere and within the top 12 markets globally for U.S. consumer-oriented products. In 2024, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to DR topped $1 billion, 10 percent higher year-on-year primarily due to strong demand from foreign tourism and the retail sector. During the first four months of 2025, U.S. consumer-oriented exports reached over $423 million, up 10 percent relative to the same period last year. While trade in the consumer-oriented category continues to expand, the United States is on pace to continue consolidating its position as the top supplier of consumer-oriented agricultural products to the Dominican Republic, capturing almost 50 percent share of the import market. This report identifies Ecuador's import requirements for foreign export certificates, highlighting current procedures and identifying the relevant local agencies with oversight over these issues. An export certificate matrix and outline is included. This report supplements the FAS Quito Food and Agricultural Import Regulations (FAIRS) Country Annual 2025 report. In 2024, French imports of U.S. food and agricultural products reached approximately $1.05 billion, reflecting modest growth. Key growth sectors include tree nuts, seafood, specialty beverages, and health-oriented products. Despite economic headwinds, France remains a significant market for U.S. exporters, particularly in premium and niche segments. India has extended the policy of unrestricted imports of yellow peas at zero duty until March 31, 2026. On May 30, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued a custom notification continuing the import duty exemption on yellow peas through March 31, 2026. On May 31, 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a related notification extending the unrestricted import policy on yellow pulses with a bill of lading on or before March 31, 2026. In 2024, the United States retained its position as the leading exporter of agricultural and related products to Jamaica, exporting approximately $650 million in bulk, intermediate, and consumer-oriented goods. Jamaica's strong tourism sector, combined with domestic demand, continues to make it a ripe market for U.S. suppliers, particularly for consumer-oriented products. In 2024, U.S. consumer-oriented products, which accounted for nearly 46 percent of total U.S. sales to Jamaica and rose 2 percent year-on-year, represented the largest product category with over $290 million in shipments. The Malaysian food and beverage sector growth continues on a strong food processing sector and an increase in tourism fueling the HRI sector. While halal certification is mandatory or strongly required for most foods, there are ample prospects for market share growth in the halal product space. Malaysia's total agricultural and related product imports in 2024 reached $25 billion USD, the United States has a market share of four percent. In 2024, Mexico was the largest market for U.S. agricultural products and the only market to reach over $30 billion in agricultural exports. Market opportunities continue to expand with U.S. consumer-oriented products increasing by 13 percent. U.S. meat products, food preparation, fresh vegetables and baked goods are among the largest growing food categories. Continued opportunities in the retail and food service sectors, with increased growth in the food processing sector makes Mexico an optimal market for U.S. products. Maintaining a strong grasp of the Mexican import process and business culture and identifying a reputable importer will help U.S. companies maximize market opportunities in Mexico. This report offers U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products valuable insights on conducting business in Panama. In 2024, exports of U.S. agricultural and related products to Panama reached approximately $942.6 million. Panama presents a promising market for exporting U.S. agricultural goods, thanks to its population, strategic geographical location, and strong affinity for American food and culture. Additionally, Panama's ambitious public infrastructure initiatives and expanding services sector enhance its emerging role as a regional trade hub, creating further opportunities for U.S. high-value food and beverage products. For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Turkiye's production of wheat and barley, most of which are dry farmed, is forecast lower year-over-year because of drier-than-normal weather conditions. Similarly, rice production is projected lower because of water limitations, especially in the northwestern Marmara region, where a significant amount of the country's rice crop is grown. In contrast, corn production, which is less impacted by the dry weather because most of the crop has access to irrigation, is forecast higher year-to-year as farmers are expected to expand plantings in response to strong prices. Imports of wheat and barley in MY 2025/26 are expected to surge to fill the shortfall in domestic production. Meantime, Turkish flour exporters hope to regain market share lost the prior marketing year after the government limited wheat imports. With a gross domestic product of $548.6 billion and projected growth of 3.7 percent in 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks as the second-largest economy in the Arab world, with substantial consumer spending driven by high per capita income. Notably, it is the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2024, U.S. exports of agricultural and agricultural related products to the UAE reached $1.4 billion, an 8.41 percent increase over 2023. More than 81 percent of the increase came in consumer-oriented goods. The UAE's efforts to diversify economically has resulted in a resilient economy, less reliance on oil revenues, and more focus on sectors like tourism, retail, and technology. As a major regional trade hub, bolstered by favorable trade agreements and modern infrastructure, the UAE has positioned itself as a leading re-export hub. This report serves as a practical guide for U.S. exporters wishing to initiate or increase exports of U.S. consumer-oriented products to Vietnam. It provides an overview of the market potential, practical tips, consumer preferences and trends, food standards and regulations, import and inspection procedures, and useful industry and government contacts.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
| 
