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allowed to continue exporting these varieties by air, but shipments will only be cleared following inspection.Kenya's avocado industry has been expanding its export markets in recent years, reducing reliance on the European Union.In September 2023, the country made a significant breakthrough by exporting its first batch of avocados to India, opening new avenues for the horticulture sector.The closure aims to protect Kenya's avocado industry from incidents like those in 2018, when poorquality fruits exported to the Middle Eastern market caused a price slump in Dubai.(Business Day Africa 22/10) Cashew, Tanzania: Shipping company Maersk announced, in a press release on November 1st, the launch of its new seasonal ocean service, the Korosho Express, intended to support the Tanzania cashew trade.The service will commence operations in late October 2024 and run through February 2025, aligning with the peak cashew season.The Korosho Express will provide bi-weekly sailings from the port of Mtwara, Tanzania, to key markets in China, Vietnam, and India, the press release said.(maersk.com;africabusinesscommunities.com 1/11) Cocoa, Cte d'Ivoire: Cocoa futures surged by over 80% year-to-date, with a 10% rise in the first two weeks of October, due to heavy rains severely disrupting the harvest season in Cte d'Ivoire, the world's top cocoa producer.Intense downpours, particularly in the southwestern regions, hindered harvesting, complicated drying, and delayed the transport of beans to ports.