Tag: tariffs

The U.S. Apple Association today joined more than 40 agriculture and food groups to call for the elimination or reduction of U.S. tariffs being imposed on other countries that in turn are harming U.S. agriculture through retaliatory tariffs.

In most years, U.S. apple growers export one-third of their crop, valued at about $1 billion. Prior to India’s retaliatory tariffs taking hold it was the second largest market for U.S. apple growers and was quickly growing.

U.S. apple growers are bracing for another round of retaliatory tariffs from China, the U.S. Apple Association said Aug 28.. The country has said it will begin unleashing new tariffs on a wide range of U.S. goods, including an additional 10 percent on apples for a total of 60 percent, beginning Sept. 1.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100 million to 48 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets.

The increase was not a surprise to the U.S. ag sector. India first announced the retaliatory measures a year ago due to import duties on steel and aluminum, but the increase was delayed several times while trade talks were ongoing.

The good news is that no tariffs will apply to Mexican produce coming into the U.S. The bad news is that fresh produce, and agriculture in general, will continue to be a pawn in trade negotiations.

Produce importers may not be prepared to pay the tariffs if President Trump follows through on his plan to implement a 5 percent tariff on all Mexican imports Monday, June 10.

As the days tick down to the tariff President Trump promised he’d impose on all Mexican imports, including fresh produce, political sides are being chosen.