Despite being a major producer of canned tuna in Europe, Italians import 87,000 tonnes a year in order to meet domestic demand.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Italy consumes a significant amount of tuna, in canned form and yellow fin and bluefin tuna, which is equivalent to about 141,000 tons per year, 2.3 kg per capita, valued at $1.47 billion.
With the entry into force of the AA in August, 90% of Salvadoran products will be able to be sent to European Union countries duty free.
"What will happen is that Central America, instead of exporting to the international market, will export to Europe. It will change the export destination," said Julio Arroyo, CEO of the Asociación Azucarera.
The Elsalvador.com reports that "the challenge that lies ahead for exporters is huge, because although the doors were opened to 28 markets with over 500 million consumers, there are also requirements related to phytosanitary conditions, quality, presentation, price and promotion will become stronger, in line with the market. "
A decline in farmed shrimp production in Mexico could generate opportunities in Europe, America, and Japan for regional producers.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Producers of shrimp raised in farms in Sinaloa are facing a serious illness, which has already caused a high mortality rate and millions in economic losses.
Starting from July 1 the trade agreement with Mexico, a country with which trade reaches $10 billion per year, came into effect.
The agreement "strengthens the recognition of an extended economic zone where Central America can put more products under a single origin and continue complementing each other in the production of goods and services for export to Mexico," said Anabel Gonzalez, Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister.
The negotiations for a partial agreement between the two countries are in their final stages, with signing expected to happen in September.
According to the Guatemalan Vice Minister of Economy, Maria Luisa Flores, "the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the largest in the Caribbean region and it is of interest to Guatemala as it represents the gateway to the Caribbean Community market (Caricom) ".
The increasing purchasing power of consumers and the reduction of taxes has driven the growth of Turkey's chocolate industry.
From article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The chocolate industry in Turkey has maintained growth in recent years. Although per capita consumption is below 2 kg per year, compared to the United Kingdom where it is 8 kg and in Germany and the Netherlands where is 9 kg, this has increased rapidly (7% between 2008 and 2012), thanks to a population with increasing purchasing power and a reduction in taxes on these products.
From 5 to 9 October 18 companies from the food and drinks export sector of Guatemala will be taking part in Anuga to be held in Germany.
From a press release from the Government of Guatemala:
Guatemalan business from the food and beverage export sector will be taking part in Anuga, the largest trade fair worldwide in this field and which will run from 5 to 9 October in Cologne, Germany.
Procomer identified 726 Costa Rican export products as having some level of potential to be marketed in Russia.
From a press release issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
After statistical analysis prepared by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) it has been revealed that there are 726 goods among Costa Rican exports with some level of potential to be marketed in Russia, a transcontinental nation which forms part of the emerging nations and whose population is 143.1 million.
The announced opening of a sales office in China is being urged by the business sector, which believes that the current policy to the second largest economy in the world is unsustainable.
Carlos Gonzalez, an analyst at the Association for Research and Social Studies (ASIES) believes that there is a delay on the part of Guatemala in trade between the two nations, because China has invaded the national market and it is necessary to have a presence in that large country.
On May 29 a seminar will be held where the opportunities existing in Sweden for agricultural products, textiles, food and beverages manufactured in Guatemala will be presented.
From a press release issued by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT):
AGEXPORT's Foreign Trade School along with the Swedish Embassy in Guatemala, are to hold a seminar entitled "Exporting to Sweden and the European Union", in order to get to know the opportunities offered by Sweden for products generated by Guatemalan companies. The activity will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the premises of AGEXPORT from 7:30 to 12:00 hrs.
In order to stimulate the Mexican chocolate industry the government of the country will be allowing cocoa imports .
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Chocolate is a product that Mexico supplies to the world and which is currently going through hard times in this country. The duty free import of foreign chocolate and the protection Mexican cocoa producers have enjoyed for years, has led to the closing or sale of several companies, as happened last year with La Cubana and Wong's, and before that Larin and Azteca.
In April and May, two Peruvian trade mission will visit Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala in search of business opportunities.
The Exporters Association of Peru (ADEX) has organized two trade missions from companies from various sectors and foreign trade students from Peru.
Gestion.pe reports that "the first exploration mission from the imports and logistics sector will be held from 16th to 20th of April in Panama and aims at learning about the trade and development opportunities in this country which trades with the world more than $18 billion and through which passes 14,000 ships and more than 12 million containers a year. "
The trend in consumption for fresh produce and products ready for the table is coupled with a boom in private brands.
A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
Sales of ready to eat fresh products together with private brand labels are the fastest growing in U.S.
Sales of ready to eat fresh produce using private brand labels are the fastest growing in the U.S.
A study by PROCOMER has been released on opportunities to place fresh produce on the northeast coast of the United States.
A statement from the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
On 6 November the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) released a study detailing the opportunities for marketing fresh produce in the Northeast Coast of the United States, this market combines features that encourage demand for this type product, in a post-recession economic environment.
The Inter-American Development Bank has launched a new version of the Intrade website with information on tariffs and trade agreements for companies and countries seeking new markets for their exports.
A statement from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reads:
IDB launches new version of Intrade, the most complete business information system in the region.