IFPA tells Trump administration of tariff impacts

The International Fresh Produce Association shared concerns about the consequences of U.S. tariffs on fresh products in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer.

“Our members earnestly believe that the proposed U.S. tariffs and the resulting retaliatory actions of other nations threaten American consumers' ability to afford fresh produce and florals, as well as the stability and prosperity of the growers and businesses that supply them,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in the letter. “While growers and suppliers proudly feed Americans every day, fresh fruits, vegetables, and florals are among the most robustly traded across the North American market and, in some cases, the world. “

Burns cited different growing seasons and regions in North America as a reason for U.S. growers and suppliers to supplement domestic production to meet year-round demand for fruits and vegetables.

She also said IFPA supports the Trump administration’s commitment to easing bureaucratic burdens and reforming regulations.

“Recent acute supply chain disruptions graphically demonstrate that marketplace volatility and supply limitations threaten market stability, resulting in consumers paying higher prices at the grocery store,” Burns said. “Appreciating the administration's aim to strengthen the American economy and incentivize domestic production, on matters of trade, IFPA believes that goal is best accomplished by negotiating more favorable terms among current and potential U.S. trading partners.”

Burns said IFPA urges President Donald Trump and the administration to provide exemptions from agriculture tariffs for fresh produce and florals, reinforced by regulatory reforms to ensure U.S. consumers continue to have access to fresh produce.