Browse Data and Analysis

In 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) updated border control measures for the EU. These changes primarily brought EU import requirements in line with those for the rest of the world including the United States, through the application of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

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

Bulgaria acceded to the European Union (EU) in 2007 and follows EU directives and regulations pertaining to food safety, quality and standards. This report outlines legislation regarding U.S. food product exports to Bulgaria, particularly those rules which differ from EU legislation.

This report provides an overview of health certificates needed for exporting plants, animals, foods, and other animal origin products to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a small but growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products. In 2023, total Bulgarian food and agricultural imports were valued at $7.57 billion, down 12 percent from 2022, of which 1.3 percent, or $101.3 million, were sourced from...

In 2024, the food-to-go sector in the United Kingdom has emerged as a significant driver of growth within the broader foodservice industry, responding to changing consumer preferences for convenience and quick meal options. Demand for takeaway and on...

In marketing year (MY) 2024/25 Bulgaria harvested its lowest oilseed crop for more than a decade due to extremely hot and dry summer weather conditions impacting yields. The total oilseed crop for sunflower, rapeseed and soybeans is estimated at just over 1.6 million metric tons (MMT), compared to 2.0 MMT the previous year.

Five months into MY2024/25 the situation and outlook for the UK grain sector is starting to become clearer. Significant wheat opening stocks have partly offset concern surrounding the second smallest wheat harvest since MY1999/2000, but even the current momentum in imports means the wheat balance is looking tight.

The United Kingdom (UK) is the largest consumer of wood pellets, globally. UK wood pellet regulations have not significantly diverged from the European Union (EU) following Brexit.

The Government of Bulgaria (GOB) continues to oppose agricultural biotechnology. Non-governmental anti-biotech organizations, local activists, and Bulgaria’s organics industry actively spread nonscientific disinformation about biotechnology. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s poultry, dairy, and livestock stakeholders continue to import biotech-derived feed ingredients.

The United Kingdom is still facing a cost-of-living crisis. In October 2024, businesses and consumer confidence indexes dropped to the lowest level this year as uncertainty looms with regards to the newly elected Labour administration and what they may announce in the October 30 government budget.

Following the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) in 2021 there was optimism that the UK would adopt a more scientific and proportionate approach to the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) and genetic technology products.