On the face of it solar panels have very little to do with cotton tee shirts. One couldn’t imagine, in fact, any two products that have less in common. That being said, they have one thing in common and that is that they often contain raw materials that may be traced to a region in China where there are allegations of systematic forced labour. Over the last two years, the United States has implemented the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). This legislation creates a rebuttable presumption that any product imported into the US – which contains inputs from certain...
Industrial Development Report 2024 – Turning challenges into sustainable solutions: the new era of industrial policy “UNIDO proudly presents the Industrial Development Report 2024 – Turning Challenges into Sustainable Solutions: The New Era of Industrial Policy. Dive into the publication, #IDR2024, to explore: – How global challenges are impacting the developing world and #SDG progress – The transformative potential of the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Innovative industrial policies designed to accelerate SDG achievements – Regional perspectives on industrial policies across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America & the Caribbean” For more information on this report...
Mexican President Addresses Halt in Michoacán Avocado and Mango Exports “Earlier this week, the USDA confirmed a temporary halt in avocado and mango imports from Michoacán, Mexico, following a security incident involving two of its inspectors. Ambassador Ken Salazar revealed that two USDA employees were assaulted and detained while inspecting avocados on duty in the state of Michoacán. The inspections were put on hold until further notice while the security situation was reviewed and appropriate measures were put in place for the personnel. In response to the incident, Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, stated in a press conference that...
Ghanaian banana exporter plans West African expansion “Golden Exotic Limited, a supplier of Fairtrade Bananas in Europe, based in Kasunya Asutsuare, Shai Osudoko District, is setting its sights on expanding its market reach within the West African region. The company, which currently exports 80% of its produce to Europe and the remaining 20% to African nations such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Benin, aims to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for broader regional trade opportunities. This was highlighted by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, during the company’s 20th Anniversary. He emphasized...
Fairtrade organic avocados now offered in Canada “Following the success of Fairtrade bananas, Canadian retailers are now also offering Fairtrade organic avocados. A 466 percent growth in volumes of Fairtrade bananas in Canada over the past six years indicates consumers are increasingly asking for socially and environmentally responsible produce. “To cater to a growing demand for Fairtrade products, retailers have an opportunity to be first movers and differentiate their product offering,” says Rob Desson, Senior Business Partnerships Manager for Fresh Produce at Fairtrade Canada. There is considerable industry interest, and the category is expected to see significant growth throughout 2024/25....
“Access for Kenyan and Australian avocados has ushered in a new era of possibilities” “There is a booming avocado trade going on in India, as more origins are presenting themselves. According to Abdul Kadir Memon, Director of Abacate International, the Tanzanian avocados have seen a strong third season for the company: “Our experience with the Tanzanian avocado season has been quite promising this year. We’ve embarked on our third Tanzanian avocado season with a strong focus on ramping up volumes. In the first quarter alone, we’ve managed to secure a notable market share of 29%, exceeding our expectations. When it...