Ag trade: Navigating uncertainty policy shifts and relevant  Import and Export Regulations
Agricultural trade is a dynamic sector that faces continuous shifts in policies, regulations, and global market conditions. The current international scenario, already affected by Ukrainian War and the Middle East Crisis, shall be probably characterized in 2025 by a pivotal shift in U.S. trade policy, significantly influencing agricultural trade dynamics worldwide. Trump’s “America First” agenda is expected to lead, even more than in 2016, to a reassessment of several multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, with a focus on reducing trade deficits and protecting American industries. This move will not only alter the trade landscape in the North-American region, bringing significant changes to USMCA and agricultural trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, but also has direct implications for European and Latin America agricultural exports towards the U.S..  Aggressive stance on tariffs, not only with China, is also expected to have far-reaching consequences for agricultural trade. This environment of uncertainty will make it increasingly difficult for worldwide farmers and exporters to plan effectively, as trade policies could change rapidly depending on political developments and highlight the vulnerability of agricultural trade to political decisions and the need to adapt quickly  to evolving import-export regulations.
This presentation will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with navigating the uncertainties arising from policy changes in agricultural trade, namely including the impact of evolving trade agreements, tariffs, and import-export regulations on international agricultural markets. Furthermore, the presentation delves into the complexities of compliance with diverse and often conflicting regulatory frameworks that govern the movement of agricultural goods across borders. In a scenario of international sales of agricultural products, it becomes essential for the parties to know who is responsible for custom duties and charges and how can the parties allocate the responsibilities and risks through the contractual clauses and/or the use of Incoterms. Through a comprehensive analysis of current trade trends and policy developments, the presentation aims to provide insights into strategies that stakeholders in the agricultural trade industry can adopt to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities in an increasingly volatile global market.