Browse Data and Analysis

Panama made a policy change regarding Genetically Engineered (GE) plants, seeds and animals in 2022, through the recently approved Legislative Act which establishes the State Agri-food Policy and dictates other provisions.

Nigeria has taken an increasingly active role in biotechnology research and development in Africa – spurred by the solid support of the Government of Nigeria (GON). In September 2022, Nigeria hosted regulators from Mozambique and Ethiopia to learn more about Nigeria’s biotechnology regulatory experience.

Nigeria wheat millers are diversifying their sources of wheat import due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. FAS Lagos (Post) estimates wheat imports for MY 2022/23 at 6 million metric ton (MMT), a 3 percent reduction from last year’s Post estimate. Meanwhile, insurgency and floods in the northern part of the country greatly impacted corn and rice production respectively.

This report provides U.S. food and agriculture exporters information on how to do business with the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) sector in Panama. This sector contributes significantly to Panama’s economy and is driven by international tourism.

In response to widespread protests and road closures, in recent days, Panama established a series of price ceilings, profit margin controls, and subsidies that affect consumers goods. These include ceiling on the gross profit margin on 11 imported...

Nigeria continues to strive for self-sufficiency in oil palm production. Currently, production remains stable. Meanwhile, demand for palm oil outweighs supply. Nigeria meets the supply gap in oil palm through imports from Malaysia, China, and Côte d’Ivoire.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the retail food sector in Panama. Despite the many global challenges, the retail industry is facing, including supply issues, increasing prices, consumer behavior is shaping the shopping experience.

Nigeria’s current 10-year Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) will end next year – likely moving on to another 10-year Phase Two Plan. The growth in sugar consumption is expected to be driven by the food processing sector.

Panama recognizes the certificates and standards of the U.S. regulatory and sanitary inspection system, based on the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, simplifying requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Panama is accepting the electronic export certificates issued by APHIS and FSIS; and the sanitary and free sale certificates issued by NOAA, FDA and Enterprise Florida, Inc. for food products exported to Panama.

New changes to Panama's import requirements reflected in this report are for fresh potatoes, poultry products, and sanitary registrations for pet food, raw materials, ingredients and additives. Consumers continue to perceive U.S. food products as high quality, wholesome and reliable, which has resulted in continuous growth in demand.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the Food Processing industry in Panama. It is primarily a service-based economy, but food processing is one of its top industries.

Rice import for MY 2022/23 is forecast to increase by 12 percent as political campaigns and electoral activities leading up to the general election in 2023 gear up. A 4 percent marginal increase in wheat imports is envisioned as the Russia/Ukraine crisis prolongs. High flour mill operating costs will negatively impact the price of flour.