EU’s New Rules on Agriculture Exports: Risks, Opportunities, & Buyer Strategies

EU Deforestation Rules and Agricultural Exports: What Buyers Need to Know

Published in London, 29  August 2025 5:43pm (BST)

The global agricultural commodities market is undergoing a major shift. With the European Union’s new anti-deforestation regulations coming into effect in December 2025, exporters of palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, and other key agricultural products will face tighter scrutiny when shipping into Europe.

For buyers, traders, and brokers, this change isn’t just about compliance — it’s about positioning strategically in markets that are already showing signs of disruption. At Auctora Trade Group, we are working closely with our partners to ensure that sourcing strategies adapt quickly to this new regulatory environment.


What’s Changing in Agricultural Commodities?

The EU’s regulation will require proof that agricultural products entering the European market are not linked to deforestation. Countries are being risk-rated as:

  • Low Risk (minimal checks on imports)
  • Standard Risk (up to 3% of shipments checked)
  • High Risk (up to 9% of shipments checked)

At present, Malaysia — one of the largest exporters of palm oil and a key supplier to the Middle East — is classified as “standard risk.” Unless it is reclassified to low risk, a percentage of all shipments into Europe will face additional inspection and certification.


wo European business professionals, a woman in her mid-30s and a man in his 40s, sit at a rustic wooden table reviewing agricultural trade documents, with notebooks and glasses of water in front of them. The scene, set against a modern European building with greenery, reflects a professional discussion on agricultural investments and commodity markets.

Market Impact and Buyer Reactions

The ripple effects are already being felt across the global supply chain:

  • Exporters in Southeast Asia are lobbying hard to lower their risk rating and avoid losing competitiveness.
  • European buyers are actively seeking traceable, certified “deforestation-free” commodities to avoid delays and penalties.
  • Middle Eastern markets, including the UAE, are positioning as transit hubs and brokerage centres, connecting compliant suppliers with global buyers.

For buyers, this means that reliability and traceability are becoming just as important as price. A supplier who cannot demonstrate compliance may soon be locked out of Europe’s lucrative agricultural markets.


What This Means for Buyers

As consultants, we advise buyers to take three key steps:

  1. Secure Early Relationships with Compliant Suppliers
    Don’t wait until December — start building partnerships with suppliers who can already demonstrate traceability and compliance. Prices for certified, compliant products will rise as demand intensifies.
  2. Diversify Sources Across Regions
    Spread risk by sourcing from multiple countries and suppliers. Over-reliance on one origin market could expose buyers to unexpected regulatory bottlenecks.
  3. Use Brokers Who Can Verify Sellers
    With fake offers and unverifiable supply still common in agricultural trading, buyers need brokers who can conduct rigorous due diligence. At Auctora Trade Group, we filter through the noise to connect our clients only with credible, refinery-linked and certified sellers.


Auctora Trade Group’s Role

Our value goes beyond connecting buyers and sellers. We:

  • Monitor regulatory and market shifts in real time.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence on sellers and mandates.
  • Connect buyers to strategic networks across the UAE, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
  • Provide consultancy that aligns procurement strategies with compliance requirements.

For agricultural commodities in particular, we are helping clients identify suppliers who can meet the EU’s deforestation-free standards. This not only reduces risk but positions buyers ahead of the competition.


The Bigger Picture

The new EU rules highlight a broader trend in commodities trading: compliance and sustainability are no longer optional. Buyers who adapt early will secure stronger positions, while those who hesitate may find themselves locked out of major markets.

For us at Auctora Trade Group, the message is clear:

  • Trust is everything.
  • Compliance is non-negotiable.
  • Performance must be proven.

This is what serious buyers demand — and it is exactly what we deliver.

Oil Markets in Early 2026

February 2, 2026
Supply Chain Shifts, OPEC+ Moves, and the UAE’s Energy Strategy Published in Abu Dhabi, 02 Feb 2026 11:59 am (GST) At the start of February 2026, the global oil market stands at a crossroads. Crude prices are caught between two opposing forces. On one side, a growing supply surplus is exerting downward pressure. On the other, geopolitical tensions continue to inject volatility into pricing. Brent crude has recently approached the $70 per barrel level amid renewed U.S.–Iran friction, even as consensus forecasts point to average pricing in the low $60s for the year ahead. This complex environment is being shaped by three converging dynamics: structural shifts in global supply chains, recalibrated strategy within OPEC+, and long-term energy transition planning led by major producers such as the UAE. Global Oil Supply Chain Shifts T he global oil supply chain has been materially reshaped by geopolitics, sanctions, and changing demand centres. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, crude trade flows were rapidly reoriented. By 2024, approximately 81 percent of Russian crude exports were flowing into Asia, primarily China and India, compared with around 40 percent in 2021. Europe’s share fell to roughly 12 percent, down from nearly half prior to the conflict. European refiners responded by diversifying supply, increasing imports from the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. This diversification improved resilience but raised transport costs and extended supply routes. Key global shifts include: China , now the world’s largest crude importer, imported approximately 11.1 million barrels per day in 2024. Russia has become its largest single supplier, supported by discounted pricing and long-term bilateral trade arrangements. India dramatically expanded imports of Russian crude, which now account for roughly one-third of its total oil intake. This shift strengthened India’s refining margins but triggered political pressure from Western governments throughout 2025. Europe , following its embargo on Russian oil, sources roughly one quarter of crude imports from Africa and over one fifth from the United States. Middle Eastern producers, including the UAE, have also increased volumes into European markets. The United States remains a substantial crude importer at approximately 6.6 million barrels per day, despite its position as a top global producer. The U.S. primarily imports heavy crude grades from Canada to meet refinery specifications, while exporting lighter grades and refined products. Beyond trade redirection, the supply landscape itself is expanding. New non-OPEC producers are gaining influence. Brazil, Guyana, and Canada are collectively expected to add around 2.4 million barrels per day of supply by 2026, intensifying competition and reinforcing a well-supplied global market. At the same time, oil demand growth continues to tilt eastward. Consumption in Europe and Japan remains subdued due to efficiency gains and slower growth, while China and India continue to drive incremental demand. This reinforces Asia’s central role in global oil flows and strategic planning.

Entering 2026: A More Disciplined, Stable Global Oil Market

January 7, 2026
A shift toward structured supply, disciplined capital allocation, and clearer pricing signals for producers and buyers alike. Published in Abu Dhabi, 07 January 2026 11:49 am (GST) As the global energy sector moves into 2026, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: oil markets are entering a more structured and disciplined phase. After several years marked by sharp volatility, geopolitical shocks, and shifting narratives around energy transition, the current environment is defined less by uncertainty and more by strategic positioning. Demand has proven resilient across key sectors including aviation, petrochemicals, power generation, and emerging markets. At the same time, supply growth has remained controlled, with producers prioritising capital discipline and long-term stability over volume expansion. This balance is setting a constructive foundation for the year ahead. In the Middle East, and particularly the UAE, energy markets are benefiting from clarity of direction. National oil companies continue to invest across upstream, downstream, and infrastructure projects while maintaining a pragmatic approach to energy transition. Rather than moving away from hydrocarbons, the focus is on optimisation, efficiency, and reliability. This approach is increasingly attractive to global buyers seeking secure, long-term supply in a fragmented world. Recent geopolitical events have reinforced the importance of jurisdictional stability rather than disrupting market fundamentals. While headlines can introduce short-term volatility, the oil market has shown an ability to absorb shocks without significant dislocation. This reflects both improved supply management and a deeper understanding among market participants of underlying demand dynamics.