Browse Data and Analysis

In calendar year 2023, Venezuelan agricultural imports dropped 8 percent year-on-year to $2.7 billion. By volume, however, agricultural imports increased 4 percent year-on-year owing to a decrease in import prices. Agricultural imports from the United States totaled $675 million, down 9 percent from 2022.

The turnover of the Dutch food processing industry in 2021 (most recent data available) was valued at $99 billion. There are almost 8,500 food processing companies active in the Netherlands and together they account for over 150,000 jobs.

This report identifies the export certification requirements for agricultural and food products. The Venezuelan ministries issue import permits, import licenses, and register processed food products.

This report is an annual update of Venezuela’s agricultural product import standards and enforcement mechanisms for U.S. exporters of agricultural commodities, foods, and beverages.

Marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 Venezuelan sugar production is forecast to increase to 373,000 metric tons due to favorable yields, increased access to quality inputs, improved prices for producers and better sugar industry profit margins.

In market year (MY) 2024/2025, FAS (Post) forecasts Venezuela’s corn production to reach 1.36 million metric tons (MMT), 5 percent higher year-on-year due to favorable weather conditions. Production increases are likely to increase despite low international prices and limited financing that will likely discourage expanded planting area.

The Netherlands is working towards a ‘sugar tax’. As a first step, the existing levy on non-alcoholic beverages (excluding dairy, soy drinks and water) was increased to €0.26 ($0.29) per liter starting January 1, 2024.

The Netherlands, as a Member State of the European Union (EU), conforms to all EU regulations and directives. However, rules for the certification of imports are complicated and, in practice, are not always harmonized across EU Member States.

This report is an addendum to the GAIN report number E42023-0041 EU Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Report, November 13, 2023. It lists the Dutch import regulations and standards that are not harmonized within the EU or where the Netherlands varies from the EU standards.

The exporter guide provides an economic and market overview, as well as demographic trends and practical tips to U.S. exporters on how to conduct business in the Netherlands.

Despite the private sector's support for biotechnology, Venezuela maintains a ban on the domestic use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture. Venezuela’s basis for the ban is through the Seed Law of December 2015, which also prohibits the importation of genetically engineered (GE) seeds.

This report assesses the agricultural biotechnology sector in the Netherlands, and covers related production, trade, and policies. It includes topics related to genetic engineering and innovative plant, animal, and microbial biotechnologies.