The crop is important for the state’s economy. Washington exported $304 million in cherries in 2016. The success of the crop depends on a fast turnaround from picking to shipment, which became a significant problem during this year’s harvest.
The Northwest Horticultural Council (NHC) estimates the strain caused by the trade war with China will result in the region’s cherry growers losing between $60 and 86 million in revenue.
In April, president Trump placed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The escalating trade war resulted in two waves of Chinese retaliatory tariffs being placed on U.S. goods on April 6 and July 6, respectively.
Initially, things were looking grim for the growers, but fortunately the US domestic market picked up most of the slack with several repeat purchasers who appreciated the quality of the fruit.
