UK tariff suspension could increase almond shipments
policy, said in a statement. California produces 80% of the global almond supply, including all commer- cially grown almonds in the U.S. Two- thirds of almonds produced in the state are exported. The UK tariff suspension follows India’s removal last September of retaliatory tar- iffs on some U.S. farm products that made California almonds and walnuts less com- petitive in the Indian market. India had imposed 20% retaliatory tar- iffs on certain U.S. agricultural products in
2019 in response to the Trump administra- tion’s tariffs on steel and aluminum. Almond exports to India, the sec- tor’s No. 1 export market, were valued at $854 million in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department estimated the value of almond exports to India will reach $1 billion this year. California’s almond sector includes 7,600 farms and 100 processors, and sup- ports more than 110,000 jobs, including about 102,000 in the Central Valley.
The Almond Board of California is prais- ing the United Kingdom’s announcement that it will suspend tariffs for at least two years on raw kernel and in-shell almonds from the U.S. and other countries. The tariffs—4% on in-shell almonds and 2% on raw kernels—have been in place since the UK left the European Union in 2021. They are to be lifted on April 11. The almond board said the tariff suspen- sion is expected to save UK almond im- porters about $4 million a year, allowing them to offer a more competitive price on raw California almonds to UK processors and ultimately to consumers. The tariff suspension was requested by the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association. The group applied for the suspension after working with the almond board, which provided information and trade data to help facilitate the process. “We are grateful for our longtime part- nership with the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association and appreciate the UK government’s approval of the applica- tion to suspend tariffs on almonds,” Julie Adams, the almond board’s vice president for global technical and regulatory affairs, said in a statement. “This will certain- ly benefit UK consumers with increased availability of healthy almond products.” UK trade officials on March 18 issued a list of commodities, including almonds, that will have tariffs suspended until June 30, 2026. The officials said they may apply to extend the suspension of the tariffs or make a permanent change. UK duties of 8% to 10% remain on roasted almonds, including flavored al- monds. There is an 8% tariff on marzipan and almond flour and a 20% tariff on al- mond paste.
“We plan to work with NDFTA to assess further tariff suspensions in the UK, and with other partners overseas to identify opportunities for additional tariff suspen- sion requests to lower costs for importers and processors and boost demand for California almonds,” Keith Schneller, the almond board’s senior advisor on trade
Weed control in rice is a team sport.Your team just got stronger.
POWERS ELECTRIC PRODUCTS COMPANY
Loyant ® CA herbicide. Broadleaves and sedges have had it too easy for too long, strangling crops and chipping away at yields. That changes with Loyant CA herbicide. With a mode of action unlike any other commonly-used herbicide in rice, Loyant CA controls broadleaves and sedges. There are 12 weeds on the label, including ricefield bulrush, smallflower umbrellasedge, water plantain, ducksalad and California arrowhead. To learn how Loyant CA can contribute to your weed management team, talk to your PCA.
Body 15% OFF FOR ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE FARM BUREAU
Visit us at Corteva.us/LoyantCA/AA ® ™Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Loyant CA is only registered for sale or use in California. Always read and follow label directions. ©2024 Corteva
ORDER TODAY PEPCO2000@COMCAST.NET 559-275-3030 WWW.POWERSELECTRIC.COM
April 3, 2024 Ag Alert 7
Powered by FlippingBook