Another escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions is affecting Washington state's fruit exporters. China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, effective next Thursday, following President Donald Trump's similar tariff on Chinese imports.
Washington's fruit growers are facing renewed uncertainty. China has been a key market for Washington produce, including apples, cherries, and pears. In 2024, the state exported nearly $700 million worth of agricultural products to China, making it the fourth-largest market.
Mark Powers, president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, noted that previous tariffs from China led to a 70% drop in apple and cherry exports. "Rivals will just have a larger market presence in China with our absence," he said, referencing competitors like New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe. The effective tariff rate on tree fruit has reached about 55%, and the new tariffs will increase the burden. Washington's Honeycrisp apples are among the crops facing challenges in reaching Chinese consumers.
U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, representing Washington's 8th District, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue. "This is absolutely penetrating, no matter which party you're in," she stated, highlighting congressional concerns over the long-term impact of trade wars on American farmers and exporters.
Legislation has been proposed to increase congressional oversight on tariffs, but it is uncertain if there is enough bipartisan support to enact changes before further losses occur for Washington's growers.
Source: Seattle Times