Browse Data and Analysis

U.S. dairy and seafood export volumes to Costa Rica hit new record highs in 2021, but access to this growing Central American market requires U.S. production facility as well as product registrations. The following guide provides insight into the registration process and tips to avoid lengthy delays.

As the 14th largest export destination, the United Kingdom (UK) has been an important and growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Shared heritage and cultural ties have continued to bolster U.S.-UK trade. The United States is the second largest UK agricultural supplier, behind the European Union (EU). The market presents many opportunities for intermediate and consumer-oriented products.

Though relatively small, the Costa Rican food processing sector relies on U.S. exporters to maintain critical supply chains. Proximity, reliability, and familiarity help make the United States the preferred supplier for a wide range of food processing ingredients, including wheat, corn, and animal proteins.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, U.S. export health certificates are now required to either follow the Great Britain model (for destinations within England, Scotland, or Wales) or the European Union health certificate model if shipping to Northern Ireland.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), Great Britain (GB) is now outside of the EU single market and customs union, while Northern Ireland (NI) remains within the EU single market and customs union.

UK demand for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives has boomed in recent years, doubling in value from 2016 to 2020 to around $1.6 billion at retail. Plant-based foods tend to sell strongest among young and urban consumers who believe eating less meat is healthier and more sustainable for the environment.

The United Kingdom (UK) is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Having entered the UK via the wild migratory bird population in October 2021, it has now spread to commercial poultry flocks.

From January 1, 2021, the UK has been responsible for authorizing products of genetic engineering (GE) using retained EU law. Nine GE crops are currently out for public consultation as part of the new UK approval process, with a similar number still pending.

UK inflation is at a ten-year high with household gas and electric bills increasing 28.1 and 18.8 percent over the past year, respectively. Retail food prices reached a 14-month high with annual grocery price inflation reaching 2.1 percent.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) opened a public comment period for 28 proposed geographical indications (GIs) for food products from the United Kingdom.

A new export certificate for raw bovine parts has expanded U.S. exporters' access to the booming Costa Rican pet food market. U.S. pet food exports to Cost Rica have nearly doubled year-to-date, reaching $39 million through October 2021.

After overcoming COVID-related labor and supply chain disruptions, Costa Rica’s orange production is expected to rebound to 300,000 metric tons in 2022, pushing total orange juice exports slightly higher to 33,000 metric tons.