Washington Apple Commission reacts to news of Mexican tariff
Washington Apple Commission reacts to news of Mexican tariff
Washington's apple industry was quick to react to the news that Mexico will impose new duties on apples it imports from the United States. “Obviously, we are dissatisfied with any imposed duty from Mexico (Ministry of Economia) that we feel lacks justification,” said Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. “We stand firm in knowing the Washington apple industry has done nothing to deserve this action.”
On Jan. 6, the Mexican government published a ruling that new duties would be imposed following allegations from Mexican apple growers that American growers engaged in apple dumping in 2013, essentially selling the fruit for less than the cost of production.
The allegation has been denied by American grower-shippers.
The new tariffs, which will be imposed on all domestic shippers except CPC International Apple, Washington Fruit & Produce and Monson Fruit, will range between 2.44 percent and 20.82 percent.
“I can’t predict the financial impact today, only time will tell,” Fryhover told The Produce News on Jan. 8. “Ultimately, the Mexican consumer and Washington grower will pay for this imposed duty, and the Washington Apple Commission will continue to prioritize our promotional support to increase per capita consumption of Washington apples in Mexico, our number one international market.”
