Browse Data and Analysis

The Caribbean Basin region continues to experience growth, driven primarily by the steady rise in tourism, which in turn impacts consumer demand.

Chile presents strong opportunities for U.S. exporters, supported by its open economy, transparent regulatory environment, and long-standing Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

As a result of the increase in the 2025/26 production estimate, the 2025/26 wheat import forecast is reduced to 1 million tons.

Pakistan is an important market for U.S. food and agricultural-related products, with U.S. exports surpassing $910 million in 2024.

Following several detentions of dairy products at Chilean ports that reached over 1 Million USD , Post reminds U.S. exporters of the import requirements set by the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture for dairy products.

Sugar production in 2025/26 is projected to reach 6.6 million tons, which is 13.7 percent higher than the 2024/25 estimated production. This increase is based on expectations for improved sugar content and average cane yield.

Wheat production is projected to fall to 27.5 million tons in 2025/26 due to a decrease in cultivated area and extremely dry weather. This shortfall in domestic production is expected to lead to increased imports, forecast at 1.7 million tons.

This report highlights the food processing industry, its drivers, key players, and market landscape in the Caribbean Basin. The region relies heavily on imports, and the United States is the largest supplier of food ingredients.

The Chilean food processing industry is a highly developed and competitive sector, playing a crucial role in the national economy.

Following the resumption of genetically engineered soybean imports after two years, soybean imports are forecast to rebound to 2 million tons in 2025/26. With a slight increase in domestic production expected, rapeseed imports are forecast to decline.

For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post estimates that the wheat area harvested will total 193,000 hectares (ha), representing a 1.0 percent decrease from MY 2024/25 due to high input costs and low prices.

Driven by a minor increase in area and assuming average yields, cotton production is expected to increase somewhat in 2025/26. With expectations for continued strong export demand, domestic use is forecast to grow modestly in 2025/26.