US lawmakers want to prioritise market access improvements for blueberries in trade negotiations in Asia
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has urged US trade representative Jamieson Greer to prioritise market access for US blueberries in trade discussions with critical partners in Asia.
“The US is the world’s top blueberry producing nation and increasing exports to markets in the Asia-Pacific region supports producers in our districts and states, creating good agriculture jobs,” the group led by Rick Larsen and Dan Newhouse wrote in a letter to Greer and secretary of agriculture Brooke Rollins.
The letter highlights specific opportunities to support the US blueberry industry in trade discussions with Japan, Vietnam and Korea.
“Blueberry farmers across the state are eager to grow by selling delicious, nutritious Washington blueberries to consumers worldwide,” said Larsen. “Congress and the administration must continue to work together to create jobs by breaking down barriers that prevent US blueberries from competing in important global markets.”
Newhouse said the US needed to address both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers for blueberry producers.
“Expanding market access for American products remains a top priority of mine in congress, and that includes making sure our blueberries can be enjoyed around the world. I thank representative Larsen for joining this effort as we continue to advocate for producers across Washington State,” said Newhouse.
The sentiment of the bipartisan push was reflected by the US blueberry industry, Kasey Cronquist, president of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), said bluberry growers have a powerful impact on the US economy, generating US$9.1bn in total economic activity and supporting more than 61,000 jobs each year.
“We strongly support the bipartisan congressional letter urging the administration to address longstanding trade barriers in key markets like Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers will expand opportunities for family farmers, strengthen the agricultural economy and ensure the US blueberry industry can thrive globally,” said Cronquist.
NABC board member Chad Don said there were opportunities for improvement in multiple markets.
“Addressing Japan’s tariff on frozen blueberries, securing access for fresh blueberries into Korea and lowering Vietnam’s high tariff rates are all essential steps to ensure Washington fruit remains competitive against global suppliers. These actions will not only strengthen farmgate returns for growers but also support rural jobs and highlight the premium quality and reliability of Washington blueberries to consumers around the world,” said Don.
