China: Vanguard's statement on new export tariffs and their impact

Vanguard, an American cooperative and fruit exporter, has published information about the new tariffs on fruits and nuts exported from the US to China.

What's going on?
On April 2, Chinese tariffs on US fruits and nuts became a reality, which affected the industry. Apples, pears, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries, peaches, lemons, tangerines, plums, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios are among the items on the list. These products were first mentioned by the authorities in China as possible targets on March 23.

The 15% tariff on these products is a response to the U.S. government's imposition of import tariffs on steel and aluminum from China and some other countries. The list includes 128 items.

A Vanguard representative said: "Vanguard's top priority has always been to support our community of growers. They are taking huge risks and investing everything in their crops. It is particularly frustrating to see them and us affected by these tariffs. As the growers from Washington State, we can already feel the negative consequences of the direct sales to China."

"China's import tariffs on fresh agricultural products will be the main topic for the entire industry in the coming months. At Vanguard, we work hard every day, 365 days per year, to prevent the various types of problems and make sure that the products will be at the right time in the right place. We encounter weather patterns that can affect the products, deal with the packaging issues and delays in transportation, and now there are these retaliatory tariffs. We purchase fruits from many countries and we are able to withstand the interruption of supply."

"We believe in China and invest in our business. We truly hope that this trade war on fresh fruits will not continue to escalate."