New EU trade agreement expands market access for California almonds

California almond exporters will receive expanded access to the European Union under a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) established through the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement.

The agreement creates a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond shipments entering the European Union until the quota is filled. The regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.

The agreement follows months of uncertainty surrounding transatlantic trade discussions. Earlier this year, the European Union proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on several U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. Almonds were considered among the products affected, but the proposed tariffs were delayed while negotiations continued.

Before the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the European Union under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that provided reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement establishes a dedicated zero-duty quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, expanding preferential access and improving the competitiveness of California almonds in the European market.

The European Union remains an important export market for California almonds, where demand for snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota are expected to improve market access for European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing trade uncertainty through 2029.