Browse Data and Analysis

On February 15, 2023, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/334 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 lowering the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for clothianidin and thiamethoxam in or on certain products was published in the Official Journal (OJ).

In 2022, the Government of Ecuador continued to support floor prices for local production of corn, rice, and wheat as well as began subsidizing the price of fertilizers for small producers.

High feed and energy prices and environmental restrictions are pressuring both cattle and swine farmers in the European Union (EU), leading to a reduction in operations.

Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE) announced on February 2, 2023, that Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) will no longer be subject to a 12 percent value added tax.

Despite continued economic constraints, U.S. – Ecuador bilateral agricultural and related product trade rose to $4.5 billion in 2022. In addition, U.S. agricultural and related product exports to Ecuador reached a record $741 million.

U.S. beef exports under the EU High Quality Beef (HQB) quota increased by over 2,000 metric tons (MT) in 2022, to 13,438 MT. The quota usage rate increased to 52.9 percent, up from 50.1 percent in 2021, despite an increase in the quota from 23,000 MT in 2021 to 25,400 MT in 2022.

On February 22, 2022, the European Commission (EC) approved two genetically engineered (GE) crops (1 soybean and 1 oilseed rape) for food and animal feed. The two authorizations were published in the European Union’s Official Journal on February 24, 2022, and they remain valid for 10 years.

Despite the increasing costs of production and ongoing HPAI outbreaks, EU chicken meat production is expected to remain stable in 2023. With the easing of COVID restrictions, EU domestic consumption is forecast to increase by 1.4 percent in 2023 following the 1.2 percent growth in 2022.