Fruit Growers Concerned About Tariffs

Early Friday morning, the White House implemented tariffs of 25% of steel imports, and 10% on aluminum imports.  President Trump sited national security risks behind the tariffs.  In response, Canada, Mexico and the EU said they will slap American products with their own tariffs, impacting  Northwest agriculture.

April Clayton with the Chelan/Douglas County Farm Bureau says while details are still coming, she says one of the top priorities is finding Northwest fruit destined for international sales a new home.  She said not only is there a lot of paperwork and regulation to overcome to change destinations, but shipping costs will increase.

"Our neighbors right below us, it's easy to transfer and transport our tree fruit down there.  Versus the cost of having to transport our fruit to say, New Zealand.  So it is critical we find someone close by that we can exchange our fruit with."

Clayton says it's important for farmers to contact the Congressional delegation to let them know how these tariffs could impact their operation in the long run.

"Agriculturally, we're right behind California and we need to maintain that strong economy here in Washington state."

The EU says it will lodge a case with the World Trade Organization, calling the Administration's tariffs "protectionism, pure and simple".