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According to the National Potato Council (NPC), the U.S. potato industry exports twenty percent of all domestically-grown potatoes each year in either fresh or processed form and those exports are responsible for over $4.75 billion in positive economic impact for the country and support nearly 34,000 American jobs. The NPC issued this statement on March 7:
The National Potato Council encourages the Trump Administration to avoid the long-term potential for tariff retaliation that may cost U.S. growers market share to foreign competition and also avoid disruption to trade in essential inputs that allow U.S. growers to raise a competitive crop.
In a joint statement from the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) regarding the Trump administration’s announcement on tariffs on imports of Canadian goods, the statement said:
“TFI and ARA acknowledge the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American industry, including the agriculture economy. However, we are concerned about the impact of the 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports to farmers and the entire agriculture supply chain.
“The 25 percent tariffs on critical fertilizer imports from Canada, including potash, ammonium sulfate, nitrogen fertilizers and sulfur will drive up the cost of production for U.S. farmers. These costs ripple throughout the agriculture community, ultimately leading to higher prices at the grocery store.”
President Trump has repeatedly said tariffs are paid by the countries on which they are imposed and said increased costs to consumers from tariffs is a “myth.” 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are scheduled to begin April 2.
