In W40 in the grapefruit landscape, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a trade policy success in Mar-23 after Vietnam opened its markets to United States (US) grapefruit imports. The opening of a new grapefruit market in Vietnam is especially timely for Texas citrus growers, as the Texas grapefruit industry is making a comeback after a devastating freeze in 2021.
Vietnam is now the ninth-largest market for US agricultural products. The US is one of the leading grapefruit-producing countries, with grapefruit exports reaching nearly USD 33 million in 2022. The USDA is dedicated to opening new markets and strengthening existing relationships to expand export opportunities for US food and agriculture producers. The opening of the Vietnamese market will be highly beneficial for US grapefruit producers.
Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform reported increased global market access for its citrus and grapefruit producers, with the country's first citrus exports valued at USD 78.8 thousand (NAD 1.5 million) in Q1-23 without rejection.