In order to supply the deficiency of the local market, the Ministry of Economy authorized the import of 75 thousand metric tons of white corn, which will be subject to a zero tariff.
The May 21 edition of the Diario de Centroamerica published Ministerial Agreement 232-2021, by means of which the Ministry of Economy authorizes the import of white corn, tariff code 1005.90.30.00.
From January to September 2020, Central American countries imported $360 million for animal feed preparations, 9% more than what was reported in the same period of 2019, a rise that is largely explained by the behavior of purchases from the U.S. and Mexico.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
From January to June 2020, companies in the region imported $110 million in dog and cat food, 18% more than the same period in 2019, a rise that is explained by the increase in purchases in all Central American markets.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
Due to the high geographic concentration of global production, Central America has increased its imports, but at the same time has become more vulnerable to crop losses, rising international prices and possible disruptions in supply chains.
The importance of the market for this type of food is that rice, wheat, corn, beans and soybeans are basic foods on which the world's population largely depends, since it is estimated that almost half of the calories consumed by people come from these foods.
From January to March 2020, companies in the region imported $52 million in dog and cat food, 11% more than what was reported for the same period in 2019, which is explained by the increase in purchases in the markets of Costa Rica and El Salvador.
Figures from CentralAmericaData's Commercial Intelligence Department: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
Explained by the uncertainty reported in the markets due to covid-19 disease, in June 2020 the global food price index registered a 2% variation from the previous month.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that due to market uncertainty caused by covid-19 disease, prices of vegetable oils, sugar and dairy products rebounded to their highest level in several months after sharp declines in May, while in the cereals and meat markets most prices came under downward pressure.
Camanica Zona Franca S.A., Agromania Rio Morote S.A. and Premezclas Latinoamericanas S.A., are part of the companies that in 2019 participated in the business of importing shrimp feed in the region.
The market study "Food for Shrimp in Central America", prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, details the main figures of the shrimp food import business and exports of the seafood in question.
Because of the health alert for the coronavirus outbreak, it was decided to extend the licenses of artisanal and industrial fishermen for 60 days, and the health records that importing companies renew will be extended for three months.
The Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (Arap) issued resolutions No. 28, 29 and 30, by which it extends until May 31, 2020 fishing licenses for international service, coastal and industrial domestic service and the card to artisanal fishermen, whose expiration date is between March 1 and May 31, 2020.
In order to meet local demand between May and August, the government authorized the import of 2.3 million quintals of paddy rice.
This decision was taken at an expanded meeting of the Committee on the Agrifood Chain of Rice, where its members agreed to recommend to the Executive the import of rice mentioned above, whose date of entry into the country is limited to 15 June 2020, which is recorded in the minutes of the resolution, reported the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).
Alimentos Ideal, Alimentos del Norte and Carnes Coclé are some of the companies that have won the most important contracts to provide food products to public institutions in Central America.
A study carried out by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData analyzes the companies that were favored during 2019, with contracts to provide different types of food to the governments of Central American countries.
As part of the FTA signed between the two countries, since January 1, 2020 beef and pork from the U.S. do not pay tariffs or taxes on entry into Costa Rica.
According to the Free Trade Agreement signed, the relief of beef and pork will be valid for 15 years, while the so-called black parts of the chicken, such as thighs and others, will be released until January 1, 2022, in this case for the term of 17 years.
With the aim of reaching consensus with the business sector, local authorities began the process of consultations regarding the bill that seeks to eliminate the Panamanian Food Safety Authority.
The plans of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) are to abolish the Panamanian Food Security Authority (Aupsa) and create the National Food Export and Import Procedures Service (SENTA), which will limit itself to executing the policies emanating from MIDA and MINSA.
From January to March 2019, companies from countries in the region imported $47 million in food for dogs and cats, 12% more than was reported in the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
During the first quarter of the year, corn imports from companies in the region reached $194 million, 15% more than reported in the same period of 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]