Browse Data and Analysis

The Venezuelan private sector supports biotechnology use and application. Nevertheless, the Venezuelan authority maintains a ban on the domestic use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture.

FAS estimates Venezuela corn production at 1.36 million metric tons for the new market year (MY) 2024/2025 on a planted area of 350,000 hectares. Significant economic uncertainty persists following the July 28, 2024, presidential election, and higher inflation and a scarcity of U.S. dollars will likely inhibit increased corn acreage and limit yields.

Since 2014, Venezuela’s total meat consumption has declined 57 percent due to prolonged economic downfall. Nevertheless, since 2019, an improved economic environment has led to stabilized beef production and significant growth in the poultry sector. In 2024, total per capita meat consumption is forecast to be 32.4 kilograms, growing 83 percent from its 2018 record low.

This report outlines market conditions and opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to expand or enter the Venezuelan market. While the economy stagnated in 2023, Venezuela is the sixth largest South American destination for U.S. agricultural and related product exports.

In calendar year 2023, Venezuelan agricultural imports dropped 8 percent year-on-year to $2.7 billion. By volume, however, agricultural imports increased 4 percent year-on-year owing to a decrease in import prices. Agricultural imports from the United States totaled $675 million, down 9 percent from 2022.

This report identifies the export certification requirements for agricultural and food products. The Venezuelan ministries issue import permits, import licenses, and register processed food products.

This report is an annual update of Venezuela’s agricultural product import standards and enforcement mechanisms for U.S. exporters of agricultural commodities, foods, and beverages.

Marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 Venezuelan sugar production is forecast to increase to 373,000 metric tons due to favorable yields, increased access to quality inputs, improved prices for producers and better sugar industry profit margins.

In market year (MY) 2024/2025, FAS (Post) forecasts Venezuela’s corn production to reach 1.36 million metric tons (MMT), 5 percent higher year-on-year due to favorable weather conditions. Production increases are likely to increase despite low international prices and limited financing that will likely discourage expanded planting area.

Despite the private sector's support for biotechnology, Venezuela maintains a ban on the domestic use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture. Venezuela’s basis for the ban is through the Seed Law of December 2015, which also prohibits the importation of genetically engineered (GE) seeds.

In the nine-year period from 2012 to 2020, Venezuela's economy declined 88 percent, which led to a drop in demand for agricultural products.

FAS (Post) revises Venezuela corn and rice production higher for market year (MY) 2023/2024 due to improved access to higher-quality agricultural inputs and seeds, and favorable weather conditions.