Mexico Imposes Steep Tarriffs On U.S. Fruit Exports

In retaliation for a U.S. decision to cancel a cross-border trucking program, Mexico is now imposing tariffs of 10% to 45% on dozens of U.S. exports. According to the Mexican government, the new tariffs are the result of canceling the cross-border trucking program and will affect approximately $2.4 billion in annual trade and 80 U.S. products.

Washington state apples escaped the tariff imposed by Mexico, but other Northwest crops haven’t been as lucky. The lengthy list of products subject to the tariffs includes: pears, cherries, and apricots.

The crop affected at the moment is fresh pears which could see an increase of up to $4 per box. The current average per-box price is $18. Cherries and apricots, which are currently out of season, won’t be affected unless the tariff stretches into early summer.

According to the Commerce Department, the U.S. and Mexico in 2008 had $368 billion in total trade, making Mexico the third-largest U.S. trading partner after Canada and China.

Source: Washington State Horticultural Association