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Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE (GCC-4) permit the importation of GE food products of plant origin. GCC-4 countries have established several technical regulations that require labeling for both raw and further processed food and feed that may contain GE plant products.

On December 13, 2022, Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MINHEALTH) issued Resolution 2492 of 2022, an amendment of Resolution 810 of 2021 that establishes new front-of-pack label requirements, nutrition profiles, and additional definitions for sweeteners, ultra-processed food, minimally processed food, food products without processing, and processed food products.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a developed nation with high per capita income and substantial opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports. Foreign nationals comprise almost 90 percent of its very diverse population. This document is meant as a guide for U.S. agricultural and food exporters interested in this dynamic and reliable billion dollar market.

While Colombia's regulatory environment remains friendly toward the adoption of biotech-derived commodities and other innovative technologies, Congressional anti-biotechnology initiatives continue posing a threat, risking the benefits to consumers and the agricultural sector. In 2021, genetically engineered corn area planted grew 31 percent, reaching record figures, and genetically engineered cotton area planted recovered 55 percent compared to 2020.

Excessive rains and cloudiness in the last two years have suppressed Colombia's coffee production. In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, Post forecasts Colombian production at 12.6 million bags of green bean equivalent (GBE) coffee. Although local prices remain high, weather conditions are expected to continue affecting crop productivity.

Colombia’s economy is projected to grow at a slower pace in 2023, restricting a more substantial growth in demand for grains in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Although the United States continues to be the main sourcing option for Colombian importers of corn given trade preferences under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and geographical advantages, increasing competition from Brazilian and Argentinian corn is expected.

Imports of chicken meat and products in 2023 are forecast to increase to 418,000 metric tons as the UAE’s expanding economy, population, and concomitant building boom fuel higher demand and thus consumption. Transshipments or reexports are playing a growing role in the Arabian Gulf poultry trade and have risen by 74 percent over the last four years.

This report covers food and agricultural import regulations and standards in the United Arab Emirates. U.S. agricultural suppliers are advised to consult with local importers prior to shipping to verify application of this tax on their products.

This report outlines Colombia’s requirements for import permits and export certificates for multiple food products for human and animal consumption. It also provides a list of the Colombian government agencies involved in the entry of imported food products.

This report is an annual update of the food import standards and enforcement mechanisms in Colombia. It includes updates on nutritional labeling, biotechnology and new information on sustainable packaging policies and trade facilitation in Colombia.

This report identifies certificate requirements for U.S. food and agricultural products destined for the United Arab Emirates. This report is to be used in conjunction with the 2022 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Country Report for the United Arab Emirates.

Although the Hotel Restaurant Institutional (HRI) sector in Colombia performed better in 2021, compared to 2020, the sector still faced challenges that hindered a full recovery from the pandemic, including social unrest and high food prices.