Michigan agriculture is experiencing reduced export volumes in the first half of 2025, with several fruit categories showing lower shipments compared to the same period last year. Reporting from WGVU notes that federally imposed tariffs are contributing to uncertainty around long-term trade stability.
Michigan's agricultural sector, the state's second-largest industry with an annual value of US$126 billion, set an export record of US$3 billion in 2024 for ag-related products. State data now indicates that fruit exports have slowed during the current year. Fresh cherry exports fell by 62 per cent, while fresh apple exports declined by 58 per cent.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), established trading relationships with major partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico are experiencing instability. "We're seeing in real time that some of these established trading relationships with our largest trading partners, China, Canada, Mexico, those continue to be fraught with a lot of questions here of what the stability of those relationships might be," said Dr. Tim Boring, Executive Director of MDARD. He added that global competitors may look to capture market share, creating longer-term challenges for Michigan exporters.
State reporting shows that declining fruit export volumes are part of broader pressure on farm financials. Fresh cherry exporters have experienced one of the steepest decreases, falling 62 per cent in the first half of 2025. Fresh apple exports declined 58 per cent during the same period.
Boring noted that balance sheets across fruit and vegetable producers are under strain. "Whether it's row crops or fruit and vegetables, most balance sheets aren't looking positive this year and next," he said. The department is monitoring the situation to assess whether trade flows can stabilise or whether the current disruptions could take years to reverse.
Michigan growers are now evaluating how changing trade dynamics may influence production planning, pricing, and long-term investment decisions. The state continues tracking export volumes and the effects of federal tariff policies as producers work through a challenging marketing environment.
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