LATAM and African agribusiness — $190B US import market, one advisor

The agribusiness and food processing sector is one of the most dynamic and strategically important verticals in global trade, particularly for the Americas and Africa. As the world’s largest food import market, the United States relies heavily on international suppliers to meet the demand of a population of over 330 million, a thriving foodservice industry, and a rapidly expanding consumer base for ethnic, organic, and processed foods. Latin America and Africa are uniquely positioned to serve this demand: Latin America already supplies over 30% of US agricultural imports by value, while Africa, with its vast arable land and growing agro-processing capacity, is an emerging frontier for high-value processed foods.

For US buyers, sourcing from these regions offers cost advantages, seasonal complementarity, and access to products that are difficult to grow or process domestically. However, navigating the US regulatory environment, supply chain logistics, and quality standards can be complex. Coppermont bridges this gap by providing end-to-end trade advisory for agribusiness and food processing exporters and importers, ensuring that products from Latin America and Africa reach US buyers efficiently, compliantly, and profitably.

The stakes are high: US imports of agricultural and food products exceeded $190 billion in 2023, with processed foods accounting for a growing share. Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Argentina are established suppliers of fresh produce, meats, grains, and processed ingredients. Africa, led by nations like South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, is increasingly exporting processed fruits, nuts, spices, coffee, cocoa, and specialty foods.

For US buyers, the appeal lies in diversifying supply chains away from over-reliance on a few regions, while accessing unique flavor profiles and year-round availability. Coppermont’s deep knowledge of both supply-side capabilities and US market requirements makes it the ideal partner for companies looking to enter or expand in this vertical.

Exporting Agribusiness & Food Processing to the US

Exporting agribusiness and food processing products to the United States presents a wealth of opportunities but also demands rigorous attention to detail. Key products from Latin America include fresh fruits like avocados, blueberries, and mangoes from Mexico, Peru, and Chile; beef and poultry from Brazil and Argentina; coffee from Colombia and Central America; and processed items such as fruit concentrates, vegetable oils, and frozen foods. From Africa, the export basket includes cocoa beans and processed cocoa products from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; coffee from Ethiopia and Kenya; cashews from Nigeria and Tanzania; dried fruits from South Africa; and spices from Madagascar and Uganda.

US buyers span a wide spectrum: large supermarket chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix; foodservice distributors such as Sysco and US Foods; specialty importers focused on organic or fair-trade products; and food manufacturers seeking raw or semi-processed ingredients.

Each product category carries distinct requirements. For fresh produce, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) imposes phytosanitary standards, and many items require pre-clearance or treatment protocols. Processed foods must comply with FDA regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), including preventive controls, labeling requirements (Nutrition Facts, allergen declarations, country of origin), and facility registration.

Additionally, tariffs under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule vary widely: for example, avocados from Mexico enter duty-free under USMCA, while processed fruit preparations from Africa may face rates of 5–15% depending on the specific HTS code. Coppermont helps exporters identify the most favorable tariff classifications, leverage free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR, AGOA), and navigate non-tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. By conducting pre-shipment compliance audits and connecting suppliers with certified US-based logistics partners, Coppermont ensures that shipments are not rejected at the border—a risk that can cost exporters thousands of dollars per container.

Importing Agribusiness & Food Processing from the US

While the primary flow of agribusiness and food processing trade is from Latin America and Africa to the US, there is also significant demand for US-origin agricultural inputs and processed foods in these regions. US exports of agricultural and food products to Latin America and Africa totaled over $30 billion in 2023, driven by demand for grains (corn, wheat, soybeans), dairy products, meat, and processed foods. Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, Central America, and the Andean nations, import US corn and soybeans for animal feed and food processing.

African markets, especially Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, rely on US wheat for milling and baking, as well as frozen poultry and dairy ingredients. For US exporters, these markets offer growth potential as local food processing industries expand and consumer preferences shift toward Western-style packaged foods.

Coppermont assists US companies in identifying the most promising buyers and distributors in Latin America and Africa, navigating import regulations in each country (such as labeling, certifications, and customs procedures), and managing logistics for temperature-sensitive or shelf-stable products. We also help structure trade finance arrangements, since payment risk and currency volatility are common concerns in emerging markets. By leveraging our network of in-country partners and our understanding of local business practices, Coppermont reduces the friction for US exporters entering these regions.

Regulatory and Compliance Overview

The regulatory landscape for agribusiness and food processing trade is among the most intricate of any sector. In the United States, the FDA and USDA share jurisdiction depending on the product type. The FDA oversees most processed foods, dietary supplements, and beverages, while the USDA regulates meat, poultry, and processed egg products.

Key compliance areas include: FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food, which requires foreign suppliers to have a food safety plan; the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), which places responsibility on US importers to verify that their foreign suppliers meet US safety standards; and the Bioterrorism Act, which mandates prior notice of imported food shipments. Labeling must comply with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, and any health claims must be substantiated. For organic products, USDA National Organic Program certification is required.

For products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), voluntary labeling is common, though some states like Vermont have mandatory GMO labeling laws.

In Latin America and Africa, exporters face their own regulatory hurdles. Many countries have export certification bodies that must approve shipments, and some require laboratory testing for contaminants like aflatoxins, pesticide residues, or heavy metals. Additionally, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may impose antidumping or countervailing duties on certain products, such as canned fruit from certain origins.

Coppermont provides a comprehensive compliance roadmap for each product and origin, including pre-export audits, documentation preparation, and liaison with US regulatory agencies. We also monitor changes in trade policy, such as the periodic renewal of AGOA preferences for African countries, which can significantly alter duty rates and eligibility.

Countries and Trade Corridors

Coppermont’s agribusiness and food processing practice covers 25 countries across Latin America and Lusophone Africa. In Latin America, key trade corridors include Mexico-to-US (avocados, tomatoes, berries, processed foods), Brazil-to-US (beef, poultry, sugar, ethanol), Chile-to-US (grapes, wine, salmon, dried fruit), Peru-to-US (blueberries, asparagus, quinoa, fishmeal), and Colombia-to-US (coffee, bananas, cut flowers, sugar confectionery). Argentina is a major supplier of soy products, corn, and beef.

Central American nations like Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica supply coffee, bananas, palm oil, and processed snacks.

Each corridor presents unique advantages and challenges. For example, the Mexico-US corridor benefits from proximity and USMCA zero-tariff access, but faces intense competition and strict phytosanitary inspections.

Coppermont’s advisors have firsthand experience in these markets and maintain relationships with local exporters, logistics providers, and government trade offices. We help US buyers identify the most reliable suppliers and help exporters position their products effectively in the US market.

How Coppermont Advisory Works for This Vertical

Coppermont’s approach to agribusiness and food processing trade advisory is hands-on and results-driven. For exporters in Latin America and Africa, we begin with a market assessment that identifies the most promising US buyer segments, evaluates product-market fit, and outlines the regulatory pathway. We then assist with compliance preparation, including food safety plan development, label review, and certification support.

Our team connects exporters with qualified US importers, distributors, and brokers through a curated matchmaking process. We also provide logistics coordination, including cold chain management for perishables, consolidation services, and customs brokerage. Throughout the process, we offer ongoing advisory to address issues such as contract negotiation, payment terms, and dispute resolution.

For US buyers, Coppermont sources qualified suppliers from our vetted network, conducts factory audits and product sampling, and facilitates direct introductions. We handle the commercial due diligence, including financial stability checks, capacity verification, and compliance with US food safety standards. By acting as a single point of contact from sourcing to delivery, Coppermont reduces the time and risk involved in international procurement.

Whether you are a US food manufacturer looking for a new ingredient source or a Latin American processor seeking to enter the US market, Coppermont provides the expertise and connections to make trade happen.

Get Started with Coppermont

The agribusiness and food processing sector offers immense opportunities for cross-continental trade, but success requires navigating a complex web of regulations, logistics, and market dynamics. Coppermont is the partner that understands both sides of the equation. If you are a supplier in Latin America or Africa ready to export to the United States, contact us for a US market entry assessment.

If you are a US buyer looking for reliable, high-quality suppliers in agribusiness and food processing, let us introduce you to our vetted network. Together, we can build trade relationships that last.