On June 9, FAS received communication from the Algerian government clarifying that the Grand Mosque of Paris (GMP) halal certification requirement for imports to Algeria apply only to product originating from France, or from another European market where the GMP operates a halal certifying office. The clarifications on halal certification requirements were issued after reports of widespread confusion among food importers and brokers as to whether GMP certification was required for non-EU origin product.
The dynamic Costa Rican retail sector reflects the country's growing economy and increasing demand for new products. Consumers are influenced by tourism, culinary trends, and social media, with higher-end consumers paying premiums for healthy products and environmentally sustainable packaging. Outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, retail stores tend to be smaller, but a growing number of retailers in high-tourism areas are expanding their imported product portfolios in response to the fast-growing vacation rental segment of the tourism sector. In 2023, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products reached a record-high level of $462 million.
In MY 2023/24, a reduction was registered in EU orange and mandarin production, while a larger lemon and grapefruit output was obtained. Increased imports from EU neighboring citrus producers in the Mediterranean Basin have partially offset the internal production decline, allowing fresh consumption to decline only marginally, and helping citrus processing to grow.
Ghana's economic decline is starting to stabilize after the country sought International Monetary Fund (IMF) support through an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program worth approximately $3 billion. U.S. exports of agricultural and related products to Ghana decreased to $107.31 million in 2023 down 15 percent from 2022.
Alcoholic beverages imported into Ghana increased from $56 million in 2019 to $87 million in 2023. Similarly, imports of U.S. alcoholic beverages to Ghana are on an upward trend in the same period from $267,000 in 2019 to $1 million in 2023. However, consumer knowledge about the variety and quality of U.S. alcoholic beverages remains low compared to alcohol from other regions of the world. Post expects sales to increase as the economy stabilizes, incomes rise, and consumers shift away from traditional alcoholic beverages. Due to positive developments in Ghana's hospitality and retail sectors, it is expected that alcohol sales will increase
A batch of U.S. frozen confectionary was almost rejected at Hong Kong's port of entry due to an erroneously formatted health certificate. U.S. exporters shipping to Hong Kong are urged to work with importers in Hong Kong to ensure that a properly formatted health certification is included when requesting an import license application.
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