Valley agriculture caught up in international trade fight
By Dale Yurong
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 06:43PM- ABC30
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Canada’s foreign minister said on Wednesday the country would retaliate with a “dollar for dollar” tariff in response to the 25% tariff on imported steel imposed by President Trump.
Valley agriculture is caught right in the middle of this trade dispute involving allies such as Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. New tariffs would take effect in July.
When it comes to California ag exports, Canada is the second significant buyer behind the EU. A 10% tariff or added tax on ketchup and tomato sauce would be felt in the valley.
Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen explained, “One of the big ones for Canada that they’re going to attach a tariff to is tomato products, and when you talk processing tomatoes, those are coming from the San Joaquin Valley.”
