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After two straight years of reaching record levels, New Zealand beef production and exports are expected to fall slightly in 2022. This decline is a result of expected reduced steer and heifer slaughter, as calf retentions in 2019 boosted last year’s slaughter number. As the size of New Zealand’s cattle herd is relatively steady, slaughter numbers are expected to return to more typical levels this year.

U.S. agriculture exports to Panama in 2021 surpassed historic records. Several categories of consumer-oriented products saw impressive growth, making Panama the 23rd largest market for U.S. exports of these products.

Consumers continue to perceive U.S. food products as high quality, wholesome and reliable, which has resulted in a continuous growth in demand. The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012, and the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, established simplified requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products.

The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012, and the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, established simplified requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business in Panama. Panama is an attractive market for exporting U.S. agricultural food products. Its culturally diverse population, geographical location, and love for American food and culture support export opportunities for U.S. high value food and beverage products.

Panama did not make any policy changes regulating Genetically Engineered (GE) plants, seeds and animals (including for GE microbes) in 2021. Panama has not established the implementing regulations of Law 48 of 2002, which created the National Commission of Biosafety for Genetically Modified Organisms.

New Zealand is an important market in the Pacific for U.S. agricultural products. In 2020, despite logistical and other challenges as a result of COVID-19, New Zealand’s imports continued strong and included US$ 575 million of U.S. agricultural products.

There have been no recent significant official changes to the genetically engineered (GE) policies established by the New Zealand government.

The same problems that beset apple production in 2020/2021, especially harvest labor shortages, could persist into 2021/2022.

This report provides an overview of ag trade trends in Panama over the first half of 2021. In particular, this report highlights selected high-growth categories.

Following an exceptional milk production year in 2021 (and especially the first half of the year), FAS/Wellington is forecasting milk production to fall slightly in 2022.

Although New Zealand has been less impacted by COVID-19 than most countries around the world, it has still had a major effect on the Hotel, Restaurant, Institutional (HRI) sector.