IRVINE, CALIF. (Feb. 1, 2025) – In response to President Donald J. Trump’s imposition of 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on goods from China starting Feb. 4, 2025, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:
“Canada and Mexico are the first- and second-largest importers of U.S.-grown fresh produce while China, another significant fresh produce importer, is the No. 2 importer of American tree nuts. Imposition of tariffs with our key trading partners in this manner and at these levels will almost certainly result in retaliatory tariffs that harm American growers.
While we appreciate the border security issues apparently motivating the Trump Administration, rival growers of specialty crops outside of the U.S. will move quickly to seize the new business opportunities created by these tariffs to sell into the Canadian, Mexican and Chinese marketplaces. Their success in doing so could permanently displace American growers from these key markets. This is the same pattern that emerged during the imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods during the first Trump Administration.
We urge the Trump Administration to use these tariffs in a strategic manner with an eye towards swift removal. Although we hope any trade tension will be short in duration, we ask the Trump Administration to quickly implement mitigation programs to offset the revenue that will be lost due to these actions. At minimum, this approach should replicate the Market Facilitation Program implemented during the first Trump Administration following the imposition of tariffs on China.”
For more information, please contact:
Ann Donahue
(949) 302-7600
[email protected]
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.
###