https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/supply-chain/import import https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/4221/next-trade-barrier-in-agriculture-isnt-tariffsits-microbes.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/4221/next-trade-barrier-in-agriculture-isnt-tariffsits-microbes.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:34:04 +0530 The race to replace chemical fertilizers with biological alternatives is accelerating worldwide. But while governments are encouraging farmers to embrace microbial fertilizers as part of climate-smart agriculture, they are simultaneously erecting increasingly sophisticated regulatory barriers around their import. Unlike conventional fertilizers, microbial fertilizers contain living microorganisms capable of improving nutrient uptake, enhancing soil health and increasing crop resilience. Because these products introduce live biological agents into agricultural ecosystems, regulators are treating them less like fertilizers and more like potential biosecurity risks. The result is a new global regulatory landscape where scientific validation, biosafety assessments and phytosanitary compliance have become as important as product performance. For companies eyeing international markets, the challenge is no longer simply producing an effective biofertilizer—it is navigating an increasingly complex web of import regulations. China: High Potential, Higher Barriers China, one of the world's fastest-growing biological agriculture markets, also operates one of its most rigorous approval systems. Every imported microbial fertilizer must receive registration from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) before it can be commercialized. Revised guidelines introduced in 2025 have further raised the bar, requiring robust efficacy data, strain characterization and biosafety evidence. Imports containing plant-derived microorganisms also fall under the scrutiny of the General Administration of Customs (GACC), requiring overseas manufacturers to be registered through their home-country authorities before shipments are approved. While Beijing actively promotes biofertilizers to reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals and restore soil health, it remains unwilling to compromise on biosecurity, making regulatory preparedness essential for market entry. United States: A Patchwork Regulatory Landscape The United States has adopted a markedly different approach. Rather than a dedicated national biofertilizer framework, oversight is divided among multiple federal and state agencies. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) evaluates imports containing live microorganisms, primarily through a pest-risk lens, while products making pesticidal claims require approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Adding another layer of complexity, several states impose their own registration, licensing and labelling requirements. For exporters, success in the US depends less on navigating one regulator than coordinating compliance across several. Europe: Sustainability with Scientific Rigor The European Union has opted for harmonisation—but only within carefully defined scientific boundaries. Under the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, only microbial plant biostimulants containing approved microorganisms listed under Component Material Category (CMC) 7 qualify for CE marking, allowing unrestricted movement across all 27 member states. Products containing microorganisms outside the approved list must instead comply with national regulations, significantly increasing the complexity of market access. The approach reflects Europe's broader Green Deal philosophy: encourage biological innovation while maintaining stringent standards for safety, efficacy and environmental protection. Japan: Precision Over Speed Japan continues to maintain one of Asia's most quality-focused regulatory systems. Governed under the Fertilizer Control Act, microbial products are assessed based on their classification, with many requiring quality verification, labelling compliance and domestic representation rather than full fertilizer registration. The country's Green Food System Strategy is driving greater adoption of biological inputs, but regulators continue to insist on rigorous quality assurance before products reach farmers. Compliance Is Becoming a Business Strategy Across all four markets, one message is unmistakable: microbial fertilizers may be biological products, but they are increasingly being regulated like strategic technologies. Authorities are demanding detailed microbial identification, production protocols, phytosanitary certificates, contaminant testing, efficacy data and traceability documentation before granting market access. Approval timelines can stretch from several months to nearly two years, making regulatory planning an integral part of commercial strategy. For an industry expected to play a pivotal role in reducing chemical fertilizer dependence and improving soil health, the implications are profound. The companies that succeed globally will not necessarily be those with the most innovative microbes—they will be those that can demonstrate the strongest science, the highest biosafety standards and the deepest regulatory expertise. In the emerging bio-input economy, compliance is no longer a cost of doing business—it is becoming one of the industry's most valuable competitive assets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/4028/phillipines-defends-proposed-pork-import-expansion-as-asf-risks-and-inflation-pressures-persist.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/4028/phillipines-defends-proposed-pork-import-expansion-as-asf-risks-and-inflation-pressures-persist.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:30:56 +0530 Agriculture Secretary says EO 116 remains a critical safeguard against potential supply shocks, rising pork prices and food inflation amid renewed disease threats and global market uncertainty The Department of Agriculture (DA) has defended the relevance of Executive Order (EO) 116, arguing that the proposed increase in pork import allocations remains an important food security measure as the Philippines faces renewed risks from African Swine Fever (ASF) and mounting inflationary pressures linked to global geopolitical developments. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday rejected suggestions that the measure had become outdated, emphasizing that the circumstances which originally prompted the proposal continue to threaten the country’s pork supply and price stability. The clarification came following remarks made during a congressional hearing by AGAP Party-list Representative Nicanor Briones, who questioned the timeliness of the executive order and reportedly suggested that it had been issued without the agriculture chief’s knowledge. Tiu Laurel firmly disputed those assertions, noting that the proposal was initiated when pork prices were experiencing significant upward pressure and domestic production was still struggling to recover from the prolonged effects of ASF outbreaks. “EO 116 was crafted to help stabilize pork prices and ensure consumers have access to more affordable food,” Tiu Laurel said. “While the proposal was initiated last year, the conditions that justified it remain—and may even be more pronounced today.” According to the agriculture chief, emerging risks within both domestic and international markets reinforce the need for precautionary measures. He pointed to rising global oil prices, which are contributing to broader inflationary pressures, as well as the onset of the southwest monsoon season, a period historically associated with increased ASF incidence. “Historically, ASF infections tend to increase during the rainy season. If supply is affected again, pork prices could climb as they did before. This measure provides an added layer of protection for consumers and serves as a precautionary food security measure,” he said. Industry observers note that the Philippine swine sector continues to face challenges in rebuilding herd inventories following years of ASF-related disruptions. While recovery efforts have gained momentum in some regions, disease outbreaks remain a significant threat to production growth and market stability. The DA emphasized that EO 116 has not yet taken effect, as its implementation remains contingent upon the drafting and approval of implementing rules and regulations (IRR). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the department to formulate the guidelines that will govern the measure’s execution. “EO 116 is not self-executing. The IRR will ensure that the interests of consumers, hog raisers, importers and other stakeholders are properly balanced,” Tiu Laurel explained. The executive order proposes an increase in the country’s Minimum Access Volume (MAV) allocation for pork imports, a mechanism designed to provide additional market supply during periods of production shortfalls. Government officials believe the measure could help mitigate potential supply disruptions, moderate pork prices and prevent further inflationary pressures should ASF cases rise during the rainy season or if global fuel market volatility intensifies. Beyond addressing fresh meat supply concerns, the government also intends to strategically allocate the additional import volume to support broader market stabilization efforts. Under the proposed framework, 30,000 metric tonnes of the additional allocation will be reserved for meat processors to help prevent increases in the prices of processed pork products. The remaining 120,000 metric tonnes will be channelled through either the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) or the KADIWA ng Pangulo programme, enabling the government to maintain sufficient buffer stocks and intervene when necessary to stabilise retail pork prices. The move reflects the administration’s broader strategy of balancing consumer protection with industry recovery, particularly as food inflation remains a key economic concern. Pork continues to be one of the most widely consumed animal protein sources in the Philippines, making price stability in the sector a critical component of overall food security and inflation management. As policymakers weigh the interests of producers, processors, importers and consumers, the DA maintains that EO 116 should be viewed not as a market intervention of convenience, but as a precautionary mechanism designed to strengthen resilience against both domestic disease threats and external economic shocks. With ASF risks lingering and global uncertainties continuing to affect commodity markets, the government believes maintaining adequate pork supplies will remain essential to protecting consumers from future price volatility while supporting broader food security objectives. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3924/philippines-eases-pork-supply-constraints-with-reopening-of-spanish-imports.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3924/philippines-eases-pork-supply-constraints-with-reopening-of-spanish-imports.html Mon, 18 May 2026 14:02:37 +0530 Decision follows confirmation of effective ASF containment and veterinary oversight in Spain The Philippines has lifted its temporary ban on pork and swine product imports from Spain following a comprehensive review of African Swine Fever (ASF) controls, marking a move expected to strengthen meat supply stability and ease pressure on domestic pork prices. The Department of Agriculture (DA), through a newly issued circular, formally recognised Spain’s ASF regionalization system, allowing the resumption of imports of pork meat, pig skin, and other swine by-products from designated low-risk zones under strict sanitary and quarantine conditions. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision reflects a calibrated balance between protecting domestic livestock industries and ensuring food security through science-based trade protocols. “We remain vigilant against ASF, but we also recognize the importance of science-based risk assessment and international cooperation in securing stable food supply chains,” he said, adding that regulated imports from monitored zones help diversify supply sources without compromising animal health safeguards. The Philippines had imposed a temporary ban on Spanish pork imports last year following ASF detections in parts of Europe, triggering tighter biosecurity controls aimed at protecting the local hog industry. The latest directive, issued under Department Circular No. 22, formally recognises Spain’s regional containment approach and aligns with existing veterinary frameworks governing bilateral trade partners. Under the new rules, all shipments from Spain must comply with established import protocols, Philippine quarantine requirements, and Administrative Circular No. 12 (series of 2025), which sets out guidelines for ASF regionalization agreements. The Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed that its assessment found Spain’s veterinary surveillance and disease-control systems sufficiently robust to minimise the risk of ASF transmission from approved export zones. Officials from the Philippine and Spanish veterinary authorities have also finalised technical conditions governing the certification and monitoring of pork shipments originating from designated low-risk regions, reinforcing a zone-based approach rather than nationwide trade restrictions. The DA said the policy shift reflects global best practices in animal disease management, where regionalization allows countries to contain outbreaks within specific geographic areas instead of imposing blanket import bans. Industry observers expect the decision to support market stability as the Philippines continues efforts to rebuild its domestic hog population, which has been significantly affected by ASF outbreaks in recent years. Spain, one of the world’s largest pork exporters and a long-standing supplier to the Philippine market, is expected to help diversify import sources and contribute to more stable retail pricing in the local meat sector. The Department of Agriculture said the order takes effect immediately and will remain in force unless amended or revoked in writing, underscoring its intent to maintain a flexible, risk-responsive trade framework anchored in international animal health standards. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3665/hormuz-effect-when-energy-fertilizer-and-food-collide.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:39:54 +0530 FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero warns of cascading impacts on energy, fertilizer supply, and global food systems as tanker traffic collapses and shipping risks surge The ongoing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major shock to global commodity flows, with implications for energy, agriculture, and food security. According to Máximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, tanker traffic through the corridor has dropped by more than 90 percent within days of the escalation. The strait typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day—about 35 percent of global crude flows—along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Speaking at a United Nations briefing, Torero described the situation as a systemic shock affecting global food systems, not just energy markets. He highlighted the Gulf region’s role in supplying nearly half of global sulfur, a key input in phosphate fertilizer production. Disruptions to sulfur flows could impact fertilizer output worldwide, including in major agricultural economies. Shipping challenges have intensified due to surging war-risk insurance premiums, with recovery expected to take months even if tensions ease. Systemic Shock Transmission To what extent does the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz represent a new class of systemic risk, where energy, fertilizer, and food supply chains converge into a single point of failure? The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most concentrated chokepoint for simultaneously disrupting energy, fertilizer, sulfur, and agrifood systems. Under normal conditions, it carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day (one‑quarter of global seaborne oil), one‑fifth of global LNG, and up to 30 percent of internationally traded fertilizers. The current conflict has collapsed tanker traffic by more than 90 percent within days, stalling an estimated 3–4 million tonnes of fertilizer trade per month. What makes this a new class of systemic risk is the convergence of three interdependent chains: Energy – oil and gas prices spiked 20–35 percent (Brent) and 50–75 percent (European gas). Fertilizer – no strategic reserves exist; urea prices rose 19 percent in one week. Sulfur – essential to produce phosphate fertilizer. Food – Gulf countries import 70–90 percent of their food, and import‑dependent nations face immediate yield threats. Because natural gas is the feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers, and sulfur (half of global trade passes through Hormuz) is essential for phosphate processing, a single disruption simultaneously raises fuel costs, fertilizer prices, and transport expenses. The FAO notes that “there are no large strategic fertilizer reserves comparable to oil stocks,” so any sustained interruption quickly elevates global food inflation. This convergence turns a maritime chokepoint into a single point of failure for the entire agrifood value chain. Fragility vs. Resilience of Globalization Does this crisis fundamentally challenge the assumption that globalized agricultural supply chains are efficiency‑maximizing, but structurally fragile in the face of geopolitical shocks? Global supply chains are needed to assure all countries have access to the diversity of food that is required and to use our natural resources optimally. Although it is true that on the inputs there are shock points  that increase the risks for global supply chains but will be the same for local supply chains. The FAO analysis shows that the current globalized system delivered low costs and just‑in‑time efficiency in peacetime, but the Hormuz disruption exposes its structural fragility. Within days, a conflict in one region removed a quarter of global oil trade, one‑third of fertilizer trade, and a major share of food demand from the Gulf. The document highlights that the Gulf States’ high import dependency (70–90 percent for staples) was sustainable only when trade routes were open. Once the strait closed, their strategic grain reserves (4–6 months) became a finite buffer, not a solution. Similarly, fertilizer‑importing countries like Bangladesh (53 percent Gulf dependency) and Kenya ( 40 percent ) face immediate shortages with no alternative supply chain ready. The FAO’s modeling of a “policy inaction baseline” shows that without coordinated intervention, real household income in Gulf countries could decline 14–18 percent, and global cereal producer income could drop nearly 5 percent. This is not a temporary inefficiency; it is a structural vulnerability built into efficiency‑maximized, highly concentrated supply chains. The crisis therefore challenges the assumption that globalization’s benefits automatically outweigh its geopolitical risks. Fertilizer Dependency Trap Given the heavy reliance on energy‑linked fertilizers, are we approaching a structural ceiling in yield growth, where input dependency itself becomes the primary constraint on global food security? The evidence points toward a growing constraint, not yet a hard ceiling, but dangerously close in many regions. Nitrogen fertilizers are produced from natural gas, and the Persian Gulf is a low‑cost producer. When energy prices spike, fertilizer prices follow directly. The FAO estimates that if the crisis continues, global fertilizer prices could average 15–20 percent higher in the first half of 2026. The “dependency trap” operates through three mechanisms: Cost‑driven reduction – Farmers facing high prices apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. No strategic reserves – Unlike oil, there is no global fertilizer stockpile to smooth shocks. Nonlinear yield response – In low‑input systems (e.g., sub‑Saharan Africa at ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3618/24-mile-chokepoint-that-moves-world.html Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:17:20 +0530 Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rattling oil markets, disrupting shipping networks and exposing fragile fertilizer supply chains that underpin global food production The narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz have long been one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors. Now, as tensions flare across the Middle East following unprecedented joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, the waterway has once again emerged as the epicenter of a rapidly escalating global economic shock. Oil prices are climbing. Shipping companies are scrambling to reroute vessels. Freight costs and insurance premiums are surging. And fertilizer markets—already fragile—are bracing for another wave of volatility. For countries like India, which depend heavily on both Middle Eastern energy and imported agricultural inputs, the repercussions could ripple far beyond energy markets, touching everything from food production and agricultural costs to inflation and trade logistics. The crisis underscores a stark reality of the global economy: a sliver of water barely 24 miles wide can still dictate the fortunes of nations. A Strategic Chokepoint Under Pressure Stretching roughly 100 miles between Iran in the north and the coastlines of Oman and the United Arab Emirates in the south, the Strait of Hormuz has long occupied a singular place in the architecture of the global energy system. Few geographic features exert such disproportionate influence over the world economy. On a map it appears as little more than a thin ribbon of water separating the Persian Gulf from the open ocean. In reality, it functions as one of the most consequential arteries of global commerce. Disruption or heightened risk in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly affect India’s agri trade flows, as fertilizers, sulphur, phosphoric acid and other critical inputs face longer transit times, higher freight rates and insurance premiums. Sulphur prices are especially vulnerable, since a large share of global sulphur is recovered from Middle Eastern oil and gas processing; any slowdown or shipping disruption can tighten supply and spike prices for sulphur-based fertilizers. For India, this translates into higher nutrient costs, pressure on fertilizer subsidies, and potential delays during key sowing seasons. The overall risk is not a shortage-driven crisis, but a cost- and timing-driven shock to agricultural supply chains. --- Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, Aries Agro At its narrowest point, the strait measures just 24 miles across—barely the distance of a short highway commute. Yet through this slender maritime corridor flows close to 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply, an extraordinary concentration of energy trade passing through a single chokepoint. Every day, vast fleets of tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil move through these waters, transporting crude from the Persian Gulf’s dominant producers—Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates—toward energy-hungry economies in Asia, Europe and beyond. The significance of the strait lies not only in the volume of oil that moves through it, but in the absence of credible alternatives. Pipelines exist that bypass the corridor, including routes across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, yet their combined capacity falls far short of replacing the immense flow handled by maritime tankers. The geography of the region has effectively locked the global energy system into dependence on this narrow passage. That dependence transforms the strait into something more than a shipping lane—it becomes a pressure point where geopolitics and economics intersect. Any disruption, whether from military confrontation, maritime blockades, sabotage or even heightened security threats, reverberates far beyond the Gulf. Traders, insurers and shipping companies monitor developments in the strait with extraordinary sensitivity because even small risks can translate into immediate market reactions. “Exports to the Middle East are effectively on hold for now as shipping companies reassess security risks in the Gulf. Carriers are likely to impose additional insurance and war-risk surcharges, which will inevitably make imports more expensive. If the situation persists, the combined effect of higher freight costs, longer transit times and elevated insurance premiums could significantly raise the cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs for countries like India.” ---- Rajib Chakraborty, National President, SFIA History has repeatedly shown how fragile this equilibrium can be. Periods of tension in the Gulf—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to more recent confrontations between regional powers—have demonstrated how quickly shipping routes can become contested and how rapidly energy markets respond. Today, that sensitivity remains acute. Analysts warn that even the threat of closure—without a single tanker being physically blocked—could push crude prices sharply higher as traders price in the possibility of disrupted supply. Some estimates suggest that oil could surge toward $108 per barrel if shipments through the strait were significantly curtailed. Recent movements in energy markets suggest investors are already factoring in that risk. The mere possibility of instability in the Strait of Hormuz is enough to ripple through futures markets, insurance premiums and freight rates, underscoring how profoundly the global economy still depends on the safe passage of ships through a corridor barely two dozen miles wide. In an era defined by complex supply chains and interconnected markets, the world’s energy lifeline still runs through one narrow stretch of water—and the consequences of instability there rarely remain confined to the region. Oil Markets React Global crude markets wasted little time registering the shock. As geopolitical tensions escalated across the Gulf, oil prices moved almost instantly, reflecting how sensitive energy markets remain to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. Futures linked to West Texas Intermediate crude surged more than 6 percent, climbing above $71 per barrel—their highest level in over eight months. At one stage during trading, prices spiked nearly 10 percent, a sharp intraday surge that underscored the market’s growing anxiety about potential supply disruptions. Yet traders say the rally is not driven by immediate shortages of crude. Rather, it reflects a rapidly expanding geopolitical risk premium—the additional cost markets attach to the possibility that instability in the Persian Gulf could threaten one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The Gulf remains the epicenter of global oil exports. When tensions rise in a region responsible for such a large share of global supply, markets react with remarkable speed. Shipping data already suggests that tanker operators are recalibrating their strategies—adjusting routes, revising security protocols, and factoring higher risk into charter rates. As insurers reassess exposure in a potential conflict zone, maritime insurance premiums are also beginning to climb. For oil-importing economies, the implications are immediate and unavoidable. Rising freight costs, higher insurance charges and a swelling geopolitical risk premium combine to push energy bills upward, transmitting the shock from the Gulf directly into global inflation and trade flows. India’s Energy Vulnerability Few economies illustrate the stakes of Gulf instability more starkly than India. Roughly half of India’s crude oil imports—between 2.5 and 2.7 million barrels per day—move through the Strait of Hormuz, making the narrow corridor one of the most critical arteries in the country’s energy supply chain. These shipments originate largely from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait—producers that together anchor India’s long-standing energy relationship with the Persian Gulf. Any sustained disruption to maritime traffic through the strait would therefore reverberate quickly through India’s economy. The country’s vast refining sector remains deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern crude flows. Although New Delhi has diversified supply in recent years—most notably by ramping up purchases from Russia—the Gulf continues to form the backbone of its energy strategy. A surge in crude prices would ripple through the economy with speed. Fuel costs feed directly into transportation networks, manufacturing supply chains and logistics, amplifying inflationary pressures across sectors. In a country where energy prices carry both economic and political sensitivity, volatility in the Gulf rarely remains confined to commodity markets for long. Yet oil is only one layer of the vulnerability. The same sea lanes that carry crude tankers also support a sprawling web of container shipping, agricultural commodities and fertilizer shipments—cargoes that are just as critical to India’s economic stability and food security as energy itself. Shipping Lines Pull Back Long before any formal closure of sea lanes, the global shipping industry has begun behaving as though the risk is already real. As tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, some of the world’s largest container carriers are quietly redrawing their maritime maps—suspending cargo bookings, rerouting vessels and issuing emergency advisories to fleets navigating one of the world’s most critical trade corridors. The response has been swift and coordinated. The Geneva-based shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announced on March 1 that it was suspending all bookings for worldwide cargo bound for the Middle East until further notice, a move that effectively freezes a significant portion of container traffic headed toward Gulf ports. Meanwhile, Danish logistics powerhouse Maersk confirmed that two of its major shipping services—ME11 and MECL, which connect the Middle East and India with Mediterranean and U.S. markets—would be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. While safer, the diversion dramatically extends sailing distances between Asia, Europe and the Americas, adding days—sometimes weeks—to global shipping schedules. France’s maritime heavyweight CMA CGM has taken an even more sweeping step. Citing escalating operational and security constraints, the company halted all refrigerated container bookings for a wide swath of Middle Eastern destinations including Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea. Across the Gulf itself, caution has hardened into operational directives. China’s state-backed carrier COSCO Shipping has instructed vessels already inside the Gulf to proceed to safer waters and remain on standby until security conditions stabilize. German shipping line Hapag‑Lloyd—the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company—has gone further still, suspending all transit through the strait. Ships already operating within the Gulf have reportedly been ordered to seek shelter and await further instructions. Taken together, these moves amount to a quiet but profound shift in global maritime behavior. Without a single official blockade being declared, the shipping industry is already acting as though one of the world’s most vital trade corridors has become dangerously uncertain. Freight Costs Begin to Spike As vessels quietly alter their routes and insurers reassess the risks of operating in a rapidly militarizing maritime corridor, the financial consequences are already rippling through global shipping markets. Freight rates are beginning to climb. Shipping companies have introduced what is known as an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS)—a temporary levy designed to compensate carriers for the sharply elevated risks of operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf. The new charges are steep and immediate. Current ECS levels include $2,000 per 20-foot container, $3,000 per 40-foot container, and $4,000 for refrigerated or specialized containers, the latter particularly significant for food, pharmaceutical and agricultural shipments that depend on temperature-controlled transport. These surcharges are only part of the emerging cost structure. Maritime insurers are simultaneously recalibrating risk assessments for ships entering Gulf waters, prompting additional War Risk Surcharges across multiple routes. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd has already confirmed the introduction of such fees, setting charges at $1,500 per TEU for standard containers and $3,500 per container for refrigerated units and specialized equipment. For exporters and importers, the financial arithmetic escalates quickly. Every additional surcharge compounds the cost of moving goods through already strained supply chains. Longer detours around the Cape of Good Hope increase fuel consumption and voyage durations, while rising insurance premiums add another layer of expense. The result is a mounting logistical squeeze that many trade analysts say is beginning to resemble the cascading disruptions witnessed during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic—when shipping delays, container shortages and freight inflation reverberated across the global economy. In today’s case, however, the trigger is not a virus but geopolitics—and a narrow maritime corridor whose instability can still reshape the economics of global trade. Port Disruptions and Regional Bottlenecks The stress is not confined to oil tankers and container vessels navigating the narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz. It is increasingly visible across the wider logistics architecture of the Gulf, where some of the world’s most important trade hubs are beginning to feel the strain. At the center of this network lies Jebel Ali Port—one of the largest container transshipment complexes on the planet and a crucial redistribution gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Reports indicate that the port has experienced temporary operational halts following conflict-related blasts and debris incidents in the region, forcing precautionary pauses in port activity. Even short disruptions at such strategic hubs can send shockwaves through global supply chains. Ports like Jebel Ali operate as the logistical heartbeat of the Gulf’s “free-zone” trade ecosystem, where cargo arriving from Asia is redistributed onward to markets across the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. When these nodes slow down—even briefly—the consequences propagate outward through shipping schedules, container availability and delivery timelines. For exporters thousands of miles away, the effects can be immediate. Indian exporters who rely heavily on Gulf transshipment routes warn that the growing instability could lengthen transit times and inject fresh uncertainty into key export corridors connecting South Asia with Europe and Africa. Delays at a single hub can cascade through multiple supply chains, forcing cargo to wait for connecting vessels, rerouted containers or alternative port calls. Air logistics may offer little relief. With parts of regional airspace subject to potential restrictions or heightened security oversight, cargo flights could face longer routes or operational constraints—tightening supply chains even further. Yet amid the turbulence engulfing oil markets and container shipping, one of the most consequential ripple effects may emerge in a sector far removed from tankers and port cranes. The next shock could arrive in the global fertilizer market. Fertilizer Markets Brace for Impact Beyond oil tankers and container vessels, another critical supply chain runs quietly through the waters of the Persian Gulf—one that ultimately feeds the world. The Middle East plays a pivotal role in global fertilizer production, particularly for nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea. Countries across the region have built vast petrochemical complexes that convert natural gas into fertilizers shipped to agricultural markets around the world. Among them, Iran occupies a significant position. The country has a urea production capacity of roughly 9 million tonnes per year, exporting around 5 million tonnes annually to international markets. Iranian urea is frequently among the lowest-priced supplies globally, making it an important source for fertilizer-importing countries—including India. Any disruption to these exports—whether triggered by shipping constraints, sanctions pressure, or logistical bottlenecks across the Strait of Hormuz—can quickly ripple through global fertilizer markets. Analysts warn that instability along these maritime routes could push prices higher across the entire fertilizer spectrum: urea, MOP (muriate of potash), DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) and NPK fertilizers. For India, the implications are particularly significant. The country is among the world’s largest consumers of agricultural nutrients, and its food security is deeply intertwined with the reliability of international fertilizer supply chains. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India imported 160.29 lakh metric tonnes of bulk fertilizers, underscoring the enormous scale of its dependence on global trade. These imports underpin the productivity of one of the world’s largest agricultural systems—supporting everything from wheat and rice cultivation to oilseeds and horticulture. But a closer examination of India’s fertilizer import structure reveals something more consequential. Many of these supply lines run directly through the same geopolitical fault lines now emerging across the Gulf. Urea Imports and Gulf Dependence Urea dominates India’s fertilizer import basket. Total imports amount to 56.47 LMT, making it the largest category in the country’s fertilizer trade. The supply structure reveals a striking concentration in Gulf producers. Oman supplies 26.13 LMT, making it India’s largest supplier by far. Russia provides 9.23 LMT, while Saudi Arabia contributes 5.38 LMT and Qatar exports 3.70 LMT. Taken together, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar account for 35.21 LMT—around 62.35 percent of India’s total urea imports. This means that nearly two-thirds of India’s most critical fertilizer flows from countries located in or near the Gulf region. If shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, the consequences for India’s fertilizer supply chain could be immediate. MOP Import Patterns Muriate of potash (MOP) is the second-largest fertilizer import category at 45.69 LMT. Major suppliers include Saudi Arabia (19.05 LMT) and Morocco (10.74 LMT), alongside smaller shipments from China and Jordan (2.39 LMT). Imports from Saudi Arabia and Jordan together total 21.44 LMT, representing 46.92 percent of India’s MOP imports. While this share is lower than that of urea, it still reflects a substantial reliance on suppliers connected to West Asia. DAP Supply Structure DAP imports total 35.41 LMT, and the supply structure is more geographically diversified. Russia dominates with 18.00 LMT, while Jordan supplies 3.01 LMT and Israel contributes 2.80 LMT. Gulf-region contributions are relatively smaller—5.81 LMT, or 16.41 percent of total DAP imports. This diversification provides a measure of resilience, though it also highlights Russia’s expanding role in global fertilizer supply chains. NPK Fertilizer Imports NPK fertilizer imports amount to 22.72 LMT, the smallest category among the four. Here again Russia dominates with 18.27 LMT, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.40 LMT, while China supplies a minor share. The Gulf contribution therefore totals 3.40 LMT, accounting for 14.96 percent of India’s NPK imports. Structural Vulnerabilities in the Supply Chain Viewed together, the import data reveals a set of structural vulnerabilities that extend far beyond simple trade statistics. Beneath the numbers lies a complex web of geopolitical exposure linking India’s agricultural system to two of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions—the Persian Gulf and Russia. The most striking dependency appears in urea, where India’s reliance on Gulf suppliers exceeds 62 percent. Countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar together account for the overwhelming share of shipments, tying India’s most critical fertilizer directly to the stability of trade routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A similar—though slightly less concentrated—pattern emerges in MOP (muriate of potash) imports. Nearly 47 percent of India’s supply originates from Gulf-linked producers, notably Saudi Arabia and Jordan. While additional supplies arrive from producers such as Morocco and China, the Gulf remains a crucial pillar of the supply chain. The picture shifts somewhat for DAP and NPK fertilizers, where the sourcing base is more geographically diversified. Here, Russia has emerged as the dominant supplier, particularly in NPK and a substantial share of DAP imports, reflecting Moscow’s growing footprint in global fertilizer markets. Yet diversification does not necessarily eliminate risk. Instead, it redistributes it across multiple geopolitical fault lines. In practical terms, India’s fertilizer supply chain now sits at the intersection of two volatile arenas. Tensions in the Gulf can disrupt maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic shifts or sanctions regimes can reshape exports from Russia. Meanwhile, the mechanics of global shipping—freight rates, insurance premiums and vessel availability—can change almost overnight when conflict alters maritime risk calculations. Each of these pressures ultimately converges in a single place: fertilizer prices. If vessels are forced onto longer routes, if insurers impose war-risk premiums, or if supply chains fragment under geopolitical strain, the cost of nutrients essential to agricultural production rises accordingly—transmitting geopolitical instability directly into the economics of farming and food production. The Global Stakes The world has faced crises in these waters before—from the tanker wars of the 1980s to the recurring standoffs between Iran and Western powers. Yet the stakes today may be even higher. Global supply chains are now more tightly interwoven than at any point in modern economic history. Energy markets respond instantly to geopolitical tremors, while food systems—often overlooked in strategic debates—depend heavily on the uninterrupted movement of fertilizers and agricultural inputs across oceans. At the center of this delicate architecture lies the Strait of Hormuz. Should tensions escalate further—or should the passage become unsafe for commercial shipping even temporarily—the consequences would extend far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices could spike sharply as traders scramble to price in supply risks. Shipping lanes could remain disrupted as vessels reroute around conflict zones, driving up freight costs and insurance premiums. Fertilizer markets, already sensitive to logistics disruptions, could tighten rapidly, amplifying pressure on global food production. The resulting shock would not remain confined to commodity markets. It would ripple outward—through inflation, trade balances and food security—reverberating across economies already strained by geopolitical fragmentation and fragile supply chains. For now, the world’s attention remains fixed on a narrow corridor of water where geopolitics, energy security and global trade converge. History offers a clear lesson: what unfolds in the Strait of Hormuz rarely stays there. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3056/japan-signals-shift-to-u-s-corn-imports-amid-trade-tensions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/3056/japan-signals-shift-to-u-s-corn-imports-amid-trade-tensions.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:04:03 +0530 Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has hinted that Japan may ramp up U.S. corn imports—particularly for ethanol and biomass use—as part of ongoing trade talks with Washington. Speaking in parliament, Ishiba maintained that Japan won’t compromise its domestic agriculture for tariff relief on automobiles, but left the door open to energy-related corn imports, citing Japan’s poor suitability for corn cultivation. The move could help offset Japan’s limited progress in securing exemptions from steep new U.S. tariffs, including a looming 24 per cent auto tariff starting July. The U.S., reeling from an 80 per cent drop in corn exports to China, shipped $2.8 billion worth of corn to Japan in 2024—highlighting the strategic value of this trade lever. Behind the scenes, Japanese negotiators are working to avoid economic fallout, with top trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa recently making a second visit to Washington for consultations. With energy security and trade pressure intersecting, corn-for-cars may emerge as a critical bargaining chip in the months ahead. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/2697/malaysian-health-ministry-monitors-mandarin-oranges-at-70-points-of-entry-to-ensure-food-safety.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/2697/malaysian-health-ministry-monitors-mandarin-oranges-at-70-points-of-entry-to-ensure-food-safety.html Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:00:57 +0530 A nationwide operation began on Jan 19, coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations, and will conclude on Feb 1 Malaysia's Health Ministry (MOH) is monitoring imported mandarin oranges at all 70 entry points across the country during the Chinese New Year (CNY) festive season since November 2024. According to the MOH, the move was taken to ensure all mandarin oranges entering the country meet the standards outlined in the Food Regulations 1985 and the Food Act 1983. The major exporters of Mandarin oranges to Malaysia, as identified by the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia, include China, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and Egypt. To safeguard consumer health, the MOH emphasizes the importance of all importers adhering to food safety regulations at entry points and local markets. Under the Food Act 1983, a nationwide operation began on Jan 19, coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations, and will conclude on Feb 1. As per the recent reports, a total of 243 orange samples were analysed and nine samples or 3.7 % did not comply with the maximum pesticide residue rate allowed under the Food Regulations 1985. All non-compliant samples were disposed of according to the offcial satement.It said importers who breached the regulations will be subjected to Level 5 inspection (hold, test, release) for their next shipment, which will be detained for sampling. Release approval will only be granted if the analysis results meet the standards. “The MOH will continue to monitor the country’s entry points and local markets to protect consumers and ensure that products available on the market are safe for consumption,” it said, reminding all food importers to adhere to the regulations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/2291/russias-chelyabinsk-imports-exceeding-14-fruit-thousand-tons-and-vegetable-products-from-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/2291/russias-chelyabinsk-imports-exceeding-14-fruit-thousand-tons-and-vegetable-products-from-asia.html Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:21:24 +0530 Imports are from the from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and China regions in Asia In June 2024, 904 batches of imported plant products entered the Russian Chelyabinsk region under the supervision of officials from the Ural Interregional Administration of Rosselkhoznadzor: 14.4 thousand tons of fruit and vegetable products, melons, flour, malt and 158.7 thousand pieces of flower products. Quarantine products were imported into the region from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and China. As part of the cargo inspection, employees of the Department took samples in cooperation with specialists from the Chelyabinsk branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "VNIIZZH". There were 36 cases of products contaminated with quarantine objects detected during laboratory tests: 7 cases of oriental codling moth were detected in 123.2 tons of peaches and apricots; 25 cases of quarantine scale insect were detected in 204 tons of apricots, plums, apples, and nectarines. Measures have been taken in relation to contaminated quarantine products in accordance with current legislation. Products that meet phytosanitary requirements are permitted to be imported into the territory of the subject and are allowed for sale. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1469/indonesia-to-import-250000-tons-corn-to-stabilize-price-of-corn-for-animal-feed.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1469/indonesia-to-import-250000-tons-corn-to-stabilize-price-of-corn-for-animal-feed.html Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:58:05 +0530 Trade minister Zulkifli briefed on the food commodities price stability, particularly the prices of corn, sugar, and rice Indonasia’s Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said that the Government would import corn to stabilize the price of corn for animal feed that has been on the rise. Zulkifli attended a meeting on food commodities price stability, particularly the prices of corn, sugar, and rice on 9 Oct at Merdeka Palace. “The price of corn for animal feed is increasing significantly. Therefore, we decided to increase the supply by importing 250,000 tons of corn for industry. The imported corn is only for industry, animal feed, not for human consumption” siad Zulkifli. Regarding rice supply, the Minister explained that Indonesia has sufficient supply; however, he acknowledged that although the price of rice in general has not increased, the price at some places have not dropped yet. He added that to anticipate the impact of El Niño the Government is also collaborating with several countries for rice supply if needed. “We have sufficient rice supply. However, the price of rice in remote areas has not dropped yet, but has not increased as well. The Government has decided to buy more rice though the rice won’t necessarily be brought here later. So, if the stock is ready, we will buy rice. At the required time, we will import rice,” he explained. On the price of sugar, Zulkifli pointed out that the price has been increasing due to the lack of sugar supply from abroad to cover shortage of domestic supply. “Sugar importers have just imported sugar for 30%. Therefore, an import agreement must be issued. Commodity balance must be set, calculated, and recommended by the industry because we have checked that based on those import agreement and commodity balance, import realization is more or less than 30%,” Zulkifli added. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1452/vietnam-opens-a-special-port-to-create-a-new-gateway-for-export-and-import.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1452/vietnam-opens-a-special-port-to-create-a-new-gateway-for-export-and-import.html Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:44:46 +0530 Mekong Delta region has become key agricultural region of the country with many key products, especially rice, shrimp, fish and fruits. Vietnam's Tran De Seaport in Soc Trang province is planned and invested as a special port to quickly transfer goods from the Mekong Delta to the world. The Mekong Delta region has an important strategic role and position in the development of the economy, culture, society, defense and security of the whole country. In recent times, the region’s socioeconomic achievements have achieved comprehensive results, becoming a key agricultural region of the country with many key products, especially rice, shrimp, fish and fruits. However, the country’s “agricultural product basket” has not developed according to its potential. Transportation infrastructure is limited and lacking in uniformity and lacking linkages between different modes of transport. In particular, the scale and capacity of waterway transport remain low with no major ports or large logistics centres. More than 70 per cent of the Mekong Delta’s import and export goods must be transported by road to the Ho Chi Minh City port cluster. This has increased transportation costs and affected the quality of goods, and created pressure on road traffic. For a long time, shipments have been focused on being transported from Soc Trang to Cat Lai and Cai Mep ports, for export. This route is long and has very high traffic density, taking time and creating high costs for businesses. Therefore, investing in the construction of Tran De Seaport urgent to quickly remove bottlenecks and support operations for businesses, including reducing costs and risks, and increasing reliability with partners in goods delivery and further promoting the socioeconomic development of the entire region. According to Le Tan Dat, deputy general director of Maritime Construction Consulting JSC, the development of Tran De Seaport will affect the movement of direct import and export goods volume of 8 out of 13 Mekong Delta cities and provinces. In addition, it will attract goods from other ports in the Mekong Delta region as well. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1361/spendedge-highlights-key-benefits-of-short-food-industry-supply-chain.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1361/spendedge-highlights-key-benefits-of-short-food-industry-supply-chain.html Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:08:54 +0530 SpendEdge proposes 7 benefits of implementing a short supply chain in the food industry SpendEdge, a global leader in procurement market intelligence space recently highlighted the 7 major benefits of short food supply chain. In the resource, the market intelligence leader focused on the significance of the short food supply chain. Having a short supply chain will benefit the food industry by increasing the profits of farmers and other producers, revitalizing rural economies, and giving consumers access to fresh, fairly-priced foods. Game-Changing Benefits: The experts at SpendEdge have shared the 7 benefits of implementing a short supply chain in the food industry:  Improved negotiating positions for farmers:These short food industry supply chains offer farmers greater power during negotiations, especially during those with retailers. Increased communication between producer and consumer:Short supply chains can lead to job creation, especially in rural areas, which also helps to increase the farmer or producer's reputation and the trust that consumers place in them. Reduced transportation costs:Short supply chains typically serve a local area, reducing the energy costs, transportation costs, and CO2 emissions used to transport goods in longer supply chains. Increased transparency:It's easier to make short food industry supply chains with few or no intermediaries transparent than it is longer and more complex ones. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1267/japan-becomes-largest-importer-of-vietnamese-seafood-in-q2-2023.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1267/japan-becomes-largest-importer-of-vietnamese-seafood-in-q2-2023.html Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:41:36 +0530 VASEP reports $713 million worth import by Japan in second quarter surpassing United States Japan has surpassed the United States to become the leading importer of Vietnamese aquatic products during the second quarter of the year, raking in $713 million, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). VASEP statistics indicate that among the major export markets, seafood exports to the US during the first half of this year plummeted by 46% to $706 million. The slump is attributable to large inventories of shrimp and pangasius in the market, along with rising inflation, leading to decrease in import demand and consumption demand. Among the top eight main markets, export value to Japan saw the lowest decrease at 11% due to the proportion of value-added and processed goods exported to the Far East nation being higher than that of other countries. China remained the third largest consumer of Vietnamese seafood with a turnover of $636 million, duly accounting for over 15% of Vietnam’s total seafood export value. According to the latest VASEP data, China, including Hong Kong, made up the largest import market in the first half of this year, purchasing $716 million worth of seafood from Vietnam. Experts point out that seafood exports to the main markets tend to increase gradually over the months, reaching their highest levels in May, before falling slightly in June. This is a trend that is typical of Japan, the US, China, and the EU. Meanwhile, six-month seafood exports to the EU brought in $459 million, representing a fall of 33% against the same period last year and accounting for 11% of Vietnamese seafood export turnover. Seafood exports to the Republic of Korea throughout the reviewed period fetched $357 million, down 21% year on year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1216/philippines-to-construct-first-border-inspection-facility-in-bulacan-to-certify-imported-agri-fishery-commodities.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/1216/philippines-to-construct-first-border-inspection-facility-in-bulacan-to-certify-imported-agri-fishery-commodities.html Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:35:47 +0530 Signs MoU to establish Cold Examination Facility in Agriculture (CEFA) with state-of-the-art testing laboratories to quality check import commodities The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to construct the country’s first border inspection facility on its property at General Alejo Santos Highway, Angat, Bulacan. The Department allotted P2.3-billion in its 2023 budget for the construction which would include hubs in Cebu and Davao. On July 20, the DA and Pacific Roadlink Logistics Inc. (PRLI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the Cold Examination Facility in Agriculture (CEFA), which will house state-of-the-art testing laboratories for the examination of all imported animal, fish, plant, and other agricultural commodities.  The project is deemed to warrant the food safety for the general populace. The MOU signing was led by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Senator Cynthia A. Villar, House Committee on Agriculture Mark Enverga, and PRLI President Edgar Dominic Milla. Senator Villar announced that the national government will set aside budget for the construction of CEFA to other areas particularly in Southern Luzon. BAI and CEFA Project Director Paul Limson said the construction is expected to be finished within 6 to 8 months. The facility will initially function as a 24-hour Off-Dock Custom Facility to handle agricultural imports from the country’s two main ports: Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port. “We must continuously assert our vigilance in protecting industry from pests and diseases that pose serious threats to agricultural productivity in the country. This partnership is a testament of our commitment,” DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said. The CEFA aims to strengthen the country’s capability to conduct first border inspections and improve its examination of containerized agricultural commodities. It also seeks to prevent proliferation of agricultural smuggling. Under the MOU, the PRLI allows the government to use for a maximum of 25 years, its 10-hectare land for the CEFA, which will include a laboratory, incinerator, container yard, and truck parking, among others. The facility will be operated by the DA’s Food Safety and Regulatory Agencies (FSRA): Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). Apart from protecting livelihood and ensuring quality and safe food for Filipinos, the said facility is anticipated to create jobs and bring about economic transformation to the province of Bulacan. Once operational, the facility is expected to employ about 1,500-2,000 unskilled workers in the province. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/973/vietnam-and-eu-businesses-strengthen-agricultural-product-export-cooperation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/973/vietnam-and-eu-businesses-strengthen-agricultural-product-export-cooperation.html Tue, 23 May 2023 08:19:00 +0530 EuroCham to strengthen Vietnam's import and export turnover of agricultural goods Vietnam's Agriculture and Rural Development and European Business Association recently exchanged views and suggestions to promote the agricultural export chain and enhance integration between Vietnamese and EU businesses. Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam held a meeting with Gabor Fluit, Asia Managing Director of De Heus Group (Netherlands) and President of the European Business Association. (Eurocham) in Vietnam. Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam said that "the import and export of agricultural products between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) has slowed down recently. According to our information, in the first quarter of 2023, import and export turnover of agricultural products reached $1.2 billion, down 14% compared to the same period in 2022 (about $1.4 billion). This is a matter of concern, and we are delighted to welcome the members of the European Business Association in Vietnam. We are ready to listen to recommendations from Eurocham, our view is how to promote trade between the two sides." Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam assessed that 2023 will be a difficult year, especially in the field of agricultural products import and export. To boost imports and export turnover, the Deputy Minister expressed boosting and fostering European and Vietnamese businesses. President of the European Business Association for 2023 - 2025, Gabor Fluit who is also the first President appointed by the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) to strengthen the agricultural sector in Vietnam, emphasized the export of Vietnamese agricultural products to Europe. Minister Tran Thanh Nam suggested partnering with the European Union and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize a forum to discuss two issues more deeply. First, an exchange on food safety issues focuses on administrative procedures, helping businesses better understand agriculture's operating mechanisms. The second is examining food safety supply chain practices. "We can successfully build a safe food supply chain between European and Vietnamese businesses, associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions" stressed Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam. A number of forums of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revolve around “food safety” and “reducing greenhouse gas emissions”. Since COP26, Vietnam has implemented many forest carbon projects, built a project of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice, and reduced emissions in Dong by the Mekong River to implement its commitment at COP26. In the Central Highlands coffee material area, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working to reduce emissions and develop sustainably. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/954/guizhou-agricultural-products-directory-unveils-80-premier-agricultural-brands-worldwide.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/954/guizhou-agricultural-products-directory-unveils-80-premier-agricultural-brands-worldwide.html Thu, 18 May 2023 09:49:43 +0530 The directory includes three national agricultural brands, Guizhou's top ten provincial brands, and nine city/prefecture brands, as well as detailed information about these brands. Under China's Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guizhou Province, a directory of agricultural products from Guizhou has been launched in Shanghai, revealing 80 prominent and distinguished agricultural brands of Guizhou Province. The directory includes three national agricultural brands, Guizhou's top ten provincial brands, and nine city/prefecture brands, as well as detailed information about these brands. Representatives of Guizhou's major agricultural brands showcased their products, including Job's Tears Seeds, Guizhou Mushrooms, Guizhou Tea, and Duyun Maojian Tea. The directory was unveiled at the launch ceremony at the Shanghai International Convention and Exhibition Center, jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guizhou Province and the Development and Reform of Guizhou Province. Bu Tao, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guizhou Province, introduced the directory. Tian Xiaohong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce (SRCIC), said, "This conference demonstrates Guizhou Province's determination and confidence to develop agricultural brands in the series "Mistletoe”. SRCIC will leverage the power of our platform and channels to help Guizhou's agricultural industry, businesses and brands find partners on the global market. We hope to contribute to Guizhou's unique agricultural industry development." China's Guizhou province is located in the southwestern region and is rich in soil fertility and biodiversity. The directory includes 14 categories carefully selected and evaluated by experts over the past two years. These selected brands are in the public domain and may be adopted by qualified agricultural producers in their designated areas. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/937/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-member-countries-adopts-the-smart-agriculture-project.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/187/937/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-member-countries-adopts-the-smart-agriculture-project.html Mon, 15 May 2023 14:02:35 +0530 Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan, adopted the Smart Agriculture project under the Chairmanship of India On 12 May 2023, the 8th meeting of Agriculture Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries was held under India's Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's chairmanship. A number of SCO member countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan, adopted the Smart Agriculture project. The discussions among SCO Agriculture Ministers strengthened the multinational cooperation in food security and nutrition. India's Union Minister Tomar said "India values its relations with SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions. In order to maintain the normal functioning of the food supply chain in the present conditions, there is a need for close contact and cooperation between various countries for food and nutrition security. India is the largest employer globally in the agriculture sector, where more than half of the population engaged in agriculture and allied sectors." India has increased its budget allocation in the agriculture and allied sectors by over 5 times in 10 years from 2013-14. Simultaneously, India is registering significant growth in exports of agricultural and allied products, which crossing ₹4 lakh crore. India is a leading producer of many commodities like cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, fish. India is also promoting organic farming and natural farming with emphasis on sustainable productivity, food security and soil health. To increase the economic potential of small and marginal farmers, India is initiating 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). For rural infrastructure ₹1 lakh crore fund has been allocated. Indian agriculture ecosystem has been adopting digital technologies in order to help farmers access these and take advantage of them. Most of the agricultural schemes are being digitized and brought on a single platform, such as Agristack and India Digital Eco-system for Agriculture, National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture, and more. Further, India is making persistent efforts in building a self-reliant agriculture sector coupled with innovation, digital agriculture, climate-smart technologies, the development of high-yielding, biofortified varieties, and agricultural research. Efforts are being made to improve the life and livelihood of the farmers by making their agriculture sustainable and friendly. In addition, India has launched an Electronic National Agriculture Market to increase market access for farmers besides programs to create new irrigation infrastructure, conserve soil fertility including balanced use of fertilizers, providing farm-to-market connectivity, ICT linkages, and more. ** ₹ 1 lakh crore = USD $ 1 trillion ]]>