Overview
2022 U.S. agricultural exports to Latvia reached of $14.1 million. High-value and consumer ready products destined for the retail and hospitality sectors, as well as food ingredients destined for food processing, drove expanding U.S. exports. Local demand for U.S. products is due in part to Latvia’s growing demand for convenience products, more openness to non-traditional foods, and increasing interest in health and functional foods.
The Office of Agricultural Affairs routinely receives inquiries from local food importers seeking to expand their U.S. food product portfolios. Best prospects for U.S. exporters include distilled spirits, wine, tree nuts, fish and seafood, bovine genetics, pet food, dried fruits, and juices.
The agricultural sector in Latvia accounts for only a small portion of GDP but employs eight percent of Latvia’s workforce. Latvian agriculture is focused on grains, potatoes, forage crops, and dairy production. Rising farm sizes create opportunities for U.S tractors and other machinery products. Farmer groups, such as the Farmers Union, have expressed interest in U.S. equipment, farming technology, and consulting services.
Best Sub-sector Prospects for Agricultural Products
Note: All figures are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Data Source: Main Statistical Office in Latvia. Trade data do not include indirect exports through third-country ports of entry in other EU Member States.
- Whiskey (Consumer Oriented Product)
- Tree Nuts (Consumer Oriented Product)
- Wine (Consumer Oriented Product)
- Hardwood Lumber (Forest Product)
- Bovine Semen (Livestock Genetics Product)
Whiskey (HS 220830)
Bourbon and other U.S. whiskies are increasingly popular in Latvia, although the market is still dominated by UK imports. Whiskey imported from the United States is also re-exported or transshipped to the other Baltic States or outside the EU.
Commodity Group: Whiskey
Harmonized Schedule Code(s): HS 220830
Value in $1,000
| Table 1: Imports of Whiskey, 2020-2023 (f) | ||||
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (f) |
| Total Imports | 297,307 | 108,162 | 113,54 | 115,00 |
| Total Imports from U.S. | 2,370 | 2,023 | 3,812 | 3,900 |
Tree Nuts (HS 0802)
U.S. tree nut exports consist primarily of almonds and walnuts. Almonds and walnuts are becoming popular as an ingredient in the confectionery and snack industries, as well as among consumers. The U.S. is the main supplier of almonds in Latvia, with many transshipments arriving via Lithuania. The leading U.S. competitor is Spain.
Commodity Group: Almonds and Walnuts
Harmonized Schedule Code(s): HS 080212
Value in $1,000
| Table 2: Imports of Almonds and Walnuts, 2020-2023 (f) | ||||
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(f) |
| Total Imports | 12,227 | 14,191 | 14,912 | 14,950 |
| Total Imports from U.S. | 1,989 | 2,268 | 2,610 | 2,700 |
Wine (HS 2204)
Latvia is emerging as a gateway for wine exports into the three Baltic markets. Italy, France, Spain, and Germany are the leading suppliers, holding a combined market share of 80 percent. U.S. wines, together with other “new world” wines, are developing an ever-expanding following among Latvians. Official import figures do not include U.S. origin transshipments via other European Union importers, amounting to an additional 20 percent of imports according to trade sources.
Commodity Group: Wine
Harmonized Schedule Code(s): HS2204
Value in $1,000
| Table 3: Imports of Wine, 2020-2023 (f) | ||||
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(f) |
| Total Imports | 325,869 | 361,664 | 405,000 | 400,000 |
| Total Imports from U.S. | 790 | 1,214 | 659 | 750 |
Wood incl. Hardwood Lumber (HS 4409)
Before the COVID-19 crisis Latvia had one of the highest investment rates in Europe in wood and wood products and the most competitive labor force. Within the subsector, wood construction has the highest investment rate. The housing market was creating opportunities for wood products (softwood and hardwood panels, etc.) in the local market. Imports from U.S. have always fluctuated strongly from year to year. The most important factors influencing buying decisions of the Latvian importers are logistics, costs, and currency volatility.
Commodity Group: Forest Products
Harmonized Schedule Code(s): HS 4401, 4409
Value in $1,000
| Table 4: Imports of Forest Products, 2020-2023 (f) | |||||
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(f) | |
| Total Imports | 705,855 | 1,173,563 | 1,011,280 | 1,200,000 | |
| Total Imports from U.S. | 320 | 63 | 220 | 280 | |
Bovine semen (HS 051110)
Latvia has a strong dairy industry that supplies its domestic milk processing industry. It exports over 30 percent of its milk production to neighboring countries. With the dropping milk farm-gate prices, it becomes increasingly important to maintain high productivity with good bovine genetics. U.S. dairy cattle genetics are recognized by Latvian farmers as the best in the world. The United States is the major supplier of bovine genetics to Latvia.
Commodity Group: Bovine semen
Harmonized Schedule Code(s): HS 051110
Value in $1,000
| Table 4: Imports of Bovine Semen, 2020-2023 (f) | ||||
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(f) |
| Total Imports | 763 | 1,139 | 1,419 | 1,300 |
| Total Imports from U.S. | 453 | 551 | 536 | 600 |
Resources
Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) Reports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service provides timely reports on foreign markets through GAIN reports. These reports provide information on market opportunities, crop conditions, new policy developments and information on the local food industry. Some standard reports include Retail Market Report, Exporter Guide, Food Service Report, and market briefs on select products. GAIN reports can be found at https://gain.fas.usda.gov/#/. We recommend that companies interested in the market covered by our Post review the EU-27 reports additionally.