Commissioner Fried: ITC Reports Confirm Imports Devastating Florida Farmers

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Trade

Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) investigations into the impact that imports of squash and cucumbers have had on seasonal growers generated responses from various industry leaders in Florida; starting with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “The ITC reports confirm what our department’s reports have long shown and what Florida’s seasonal producers have long felt: unfair trade …

Ag Secretary: China About $16 Billion Short in Purchases in Phase One Agreement

Web AdminExports/Imports, USDA

By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of exports and holding countries to specified agreements during a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday. He was especially specific when discussing the country’s relationship with China. “I know that 30% at some point in time of what we grow and raise is ultimately exported …

USITC Releases Results of Investigations Concerning Imports of Cucumbers, Squash

Web AdminCucurbits, Exports/Imports

Two investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) yielded various conclusions about the impact that imports of cucumbers and squash are having on U.S. seasonal markets. The USITC’s conclusions regarding cucumbers include: Mexico is a highly competitive supplier of summer squash, with low costs, a reputation for consistently high product quality, and preferential packing and sorting. In the United …

Fresh Vegetable Imports Continue to Increase

Web AdminExports/Imports, Top Posts, Vegetables

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, fresh vegetable imports continued to increase in 2021, compared to the previous three years. Tomatoes’ import value in 2021 was approximately $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2018. Tomato imports were estimated at 3.2 billion pounds in 2021, compared to 3.1 billion in 2018. Cucumbers’ value was $0.7 billion …

Commissioner Fried: We Need Federal Action to Level Playing Field

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday. She addressed the continued unfair foreign trade practices being employed by Mexico and other countries that are causing severe harm to the domestic seasonal produce industry. “Florida farmers and American agriculture is the best in the world, and …

USITC Investigation: Future of Cucumbers, Squashes Markets at Stake

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers should find out in the next couple of months the impact of two factfinding investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on the effects of imported cucumbers and squashes on the U.S. seasonal markets. It could have significant ramifications for future markets for both commodities, said John Walt Boatright, director …

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Letter to President: Action Needed Now Against ‘Unfair’ Imports

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts, Trade

The message is clear: Action is needed immediately against “unfair” imports. Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, along with more than half of Florida’s congressional delegation, pleaded with President Joe Biden in a letter addressed on Oct. 6 that the “long-standing threats posed to our security by unfairly-priced and high-volume imports are as grave as ever and deserve your …

Tomato Trade: Impact Could Cost U.S. Growers $250 Million a Year

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Tomatoes, Top Posts, Trade

An increase of Mexican tomato exports leads to decreased prices for U.S. producers. University of Florida (UF) research confirms that if imports increase by 50% in the coming years, it would cost farmers as much as $252 million per year. This equates to 27% in revenue. That decline is due to competition from Mexico and other challenges, said Zhengfei Guan, …

FFVA President: We Just Want Fair Trade

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The audience may change but the message remains the same for Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. Imports are taking a toll on Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. The future of his growers’ livelihoods is in jeopardy if immediate action is not taken. Joyner’s message was shared this week during the annual FFVA …

Numbers Don’t Lie: Imports Impacting Florida Blueberry Production

Web AdminBerries, Exports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in February that imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries were not a serious injury to the domestic industry. But looking at the recent research report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it’s difficult to see the commission’s rationale. Mexico’s market share in the U.S. increased dramatically from 2016 to 2020. …