Commentary
Update: U.S. President Trump Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs, Virtual Town Hall Scheduled for April 4
April 2, 2025
Stay updated on tariff policies and regulations with IFPA resources. Access guidance documents, webinars, consultations, and regulatory updates to manage your obligations.
April 2, 2025: U.S. President Trump Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs
President Donald Trump announced today he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries around the world starting on April 5 and will impose an additional, individualized tariff on approximately 60 countries beginning April 9.
For Canada and Mexico, goods compliant under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which include specialty crops, are not subject to additional tariffs.
Details are available in a fact sheet published White House.
IFPA CEO Cathy Burns issued the following media statement today regarding President Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement:
“The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) appreciates the administration’s decision to provide relief from broad-based tariffs on fresh produce and florals by exempting goods covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Fresh fruits, vegetables, and florals are among the most highly traded commodities across North America and beyond. Reducing trade barriers ensures that American consumers continue to have access to fresh, affordable produce and floral products while supporting the growers and businesses that sustain the industry.
“However, IFPA remains concerned about the broader application of tariffs on global trading partners and the resulting disruptions to supply chains, market stability, and food prices worldwide. The global trade of fresh produce is essential to the health and well-being of people in every nation.
“Our members are committed to delivering fresh, high-quality products to their customers, but tariffs undermine their ability to fulfill those commitments. When businesses lose market share, reclaiming it is incredibly difficult—if not impossible. Tariffs erode the competitive edge of suppliers, dealing a lasting blow to an industry that is critical to both food security and economic stability.
“The imposition of tariffs increases costs, disrupts supply chains, and ultimately drives up grocery prices. Fresh produce trade is uniquely complex, shaped by seasonal and regional factors that make a well-functioning market essential for year-round availability. Fair and open trade strengthens American agriculture, expands market opportunities, and ensures consumers nationwide continue to have access to affordable, fresh produce.
“IFPA appreciates the administration’s commitment to easing regulatory burdens and supporting American agriculture. We urge continued efforts toward long-term solutions that benefit fresh produce growers and businesses, including equitable trade agreements, regulatory reform, and policies that promote a stable agricultural workforce. IFPA remains committed to collaborating with the administration to ensure a thriving fresh produce industry while keeping fresh, nutritious food accessible to all Americans.
“Providing exemptions for fresh produce and florals, alongside regulatory reform and a secure agricultural workforce, is the best path forward to supporting American growers, businesses, and consumers. We look forward to working with the administration on balanced solutions that protect American agriculture while ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food for all.”
April 1, 2025: Virtual Town Hall on Tariffs Scheduled for April 4
IFPA will host another virtual town hall on Friday, April 4, at Noon ET to discuss the latest tariff policy shifts and the evolving political landscape in Washington, D.C.
(Please note that this town hall session is limited to IFPA members. Once registered, you will receive a unique link to log into the town hall. This link is not shareable and is for the registrant’s use only).
March 28, 2025: IFPA Outlines Urgent Need for Fresh Produce Tariff Exemptions, EU Outreach, Comments on Maritime Fees
In a letter to Trump administration officials, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) warned that proposed tariffs would drive up the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables and urged the administration to provide exemptions to fresh produce and floral products. IFPA sent the March 27 letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer.
President Trump has set an April 2 deadline for imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as for implementing the administration’s “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” affecting other nations.
IFPA Urges EU to Exclude Produce In Retaliatory Tariffs
In comments submitted March 26, IFPA urged the European Commission to exclude fresh produce and nuts from proposed countermeasures against U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. With €109 million in EU imports from the U.S. and €197 million in exports in 2023—plus €2.5 billion in tree nut trade—tariffs would raise prices and reduce availability of fresh produce for European consumers. IFPA called for a cooperative approach to resolving trade tensions while safeguarding the transatlantic fresh produce trade and the jobs it supports.
IFPA Opposes Proposed Maritime Fees
IFPA has taken steps to address the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) proposed Section 301 actions that include a fee of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-made ships visiting U.S. ports. IFPA co-commissioned a study by Trade Partnership Worldwide LLC to analyze the economic impact of the proposal. IFPA also joined business and agricultural coalitions in letters to the USTR, highlighting that the proposed fees would increase shipping costs by at least 25 percent. Access the business group letter and agricultural group letter.
Save the Date: April 4 Member Tariff Virtual Town Hall
Join us on Friday, April 4, for another members-only virtual town hall covering the latest tariff policy decisions and their impact on fresh produce. Registration details will be sent in a separate member alert.
March 6, 2025
Trump Delays Tariffs on Mexico and Canada by One Month; Next IFPA Virtual Town Hall Planned for March 13
On March 6, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would delay tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) free trade agreement for nearly one month. The delay follows discussions between President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as negotiations with Canadian officials.
The decision partially rolls back the 25 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada that were imposed earlier this week. In a Truth Social post, Trump cited joint efforts on border security and fentanyl as reasons for the temporary exemption, which extends until April 2.
According to the White House, duties imposed now include:
- 25% tariffs on goods that do not satisfy U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin.
- A lower 10% tariff on those energy products imported from Canada that fall outside the USMCA preference.
- A lower 10% tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the USMCA preference.
- No tariffs on those goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for USMCA preference.
The tariffs are set to resume the same day the White House plans to implement broader reciprocal tariffs. Under the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan," tariffs will be applied to imported goods at the same rates that other countries impose on U.S. exports starting April 2.
IFPA is committed to advocating for policies that support fair and thriving international trade and will continue engaging with the administration, media and industry. Given the essential role of fresh produce in supporting Americans’ health and nutrition, IFPA will actively seek exemptions for these products wherever the implementation process permits. Additionally, IFPA will continue providing the administration with data on tariffs' impact on the produce supply chain to inform policy decisions.
Tariffs remain an evolving issue, and IFPA is committed to keeping our members informed by convening key discussions, sharing the latest policy updates, and advocating for policies that support fair and thriving international trade.
In the meantime, please send your tariff-related questions to USGR@freshproduce.com to ensure the most useful information is provided.
Guidance documents, webinars, consultations and regulatory resources are available to IFPA members on the tariff updates page.
March 4, 2025: Tariff Suspension Ends on Imported Goods from U.S. Trading Partners (Canada, China, Mexico)
Today marks the end of the 30-day tariff suspension imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. He confirmed that starting Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the U.S. will impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Imports from China face an additional 10 percent tariff, bringing the total tariff on Chinese goods to 20 percent.
IFPA is committed to advocating for policies that support fair and thriving international trade and will continue engaging with the administration, media and industry. The latest round of tariffs is expected to drive up costs for both the fresh produce industry and consumers, further intensifying concerns over rising prices.
Given the essential role of fresh produce in supporting Americans’ health and nutrition, IFPA will actively seek exemptions for these products wherever the implementation process permits. Additionally, IFPA will continue providing the administration with data on the tariffs' impact on the produce supply chain to inform policy decisions.
IFPA Member Town Hall
To help members navigate these developments, IFPA will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, March 6, at Noon Eastern to discuss the impact of the tariffs, address concerns, and provide guidance.
In the meantime, please send your tariff-related questions to USGR@freshproduce.com to ensure the most useful information is provided.
Guidance documents, webinars, consultations and regulatory resources are available to IFPA members on the tariff updates page.
IFPA Tariff Position:
- IFPA believes that every nation that can feed itself should do so. And, like many agricultural organizations, we firmly support fair and thriving international trade. Fair trade expands markets, drives prosperity, and ensures access to fresh, nutritious foods worldwide.
- U.S. fresh produce growers and suppliers play a pivotal role in the food system, feeding Americans and consumers worldwide while fostering mutually beneficial trade relationships. Fresh produce, specialty crops, and floral products are among North America's most actively traded commodities. A secure and sustainable food supply - domestic and worldwide - thrives with strong and reliable access to global markets.
- Targeted use of tariffs can be a tool for addressing challenges or inequities between trading partners. However, the broad application of tariffs disrupts supply chains, threatens market expansion, increases costs for consumers, and places unnecessary strain on growers and producers.
- To improve the competitiveness of U.S. producers while keeping food affordable for consumers, IFPA advocates for swift and meaningful regulatory relief and reform as the most effective way to support agriculture and strengthen American food security. We look forward to working with the Trump administration to advance policies that empower growers, expand market access, and ensure a competitive, resilient agricultural sector that benefits producers and consumers
February 14, 2025: MOU on Reciprocal Tariffs for U.S. Trading Partners Signed
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum outlining a plan for reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners. Details of the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" are still emerging, but the proposal aims to impose tariffs on imported goods at the same rates that other countries apply to U.S. exports. Signed in the Oval Office on Feb. 13, the memorandum directs the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to assess each U.S. trading partner and submit a report with recommendations for reciprocal actions by April 1.
A White House official said foreign nations would have the opportunity to negotiate potential duties before they take effect, with the earliest possible implementation date for the tariffs being April 2.
As of now, no specific tariff rates have been proposed. Due to the limited information and potential for widespread impact, importers and buyers should stay informed on developments and rely only on verified facts. IFPA will continue to advocate for policies that support fair and thriving international trade.
February 11, 2025
Following the February 7 Virtual Town Hall on Tariffs and Trade, IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations spoke with The Produce Reporter/Blue Book to provide additional clarity on the tariff situation and implications for agricuture.
Updated Statement/Alert: February 3, 2025
President Trump met separately with Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today and all three leaders have announced they have each reached an agreement to delay the 25% tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada into the US for 30 days.
IFPA will continue to advocate its position of supporting fair trade with the Administration, media, and industry. New tariffs are expected to increase costs for both industry and consumers, exacerbating the already heightened concerns consumers have about rising prices addressing challenges or inequities between trading partners. However, the broad application of tariffs can disrupt supply chains, threaten market expansion, increase costs for consumers, and place unnecessary strain on growers and producers.
Updated Statement/Alert: February 1, 2025
President Donald Trump this afternoon announced the administration is implementing tariffs on goods coming from Mexico, Canada, and China based on authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and because of the president’s prior national security emergency declaration at the nation’s borders regarding illegal immigration and to prevent the flow of fentanyl into the United States. The IEEPA allows tariffs to be executed immediately, though details on the mechanics of that process are not yet known.
- MEXICO: President Trump is implementing a 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods. According to the White House, Mexican cartels have an alliance with the government of Mexico and endanger the national security and public health of the United States. The tariffs will remain in place until Mexico cooperates with the U.S. in the fight against drug traffickers and on border security.
- CANADA: President Trump is implementing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy resources. According to the White House, there is growing production of fentanyl in Canada, with enough fentanyl seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans. Additionally, illegal border crossings from Canada reached historic new highs every year of the previous four fiscal years. These tariffs will remain in place until Canada cooperates with the U.S. against drug traffickers and border security.
- CHINA: President Trump is implementing a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. According to the White House, China plays the central role in the fentanyl crisis, with the Chinese Communist Party subsidizing chemical companies to export fentanyl while the country not only fails to stem the source of illicit drugs but actively helps this business. These tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. secures the full cooperation of the Chinese government.
The Executive Orders will be posted on www.whitehouse.gov. This follows the Jan. 20, 2025, memorandum on America First Trade Policy.
In the immediate term, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is the best source of information for importers bringing goods into the United States. Importers should expect these tariffs to begin in earnest within days, not weeks.
As previously noted, IFPA will continue to advocate its position on trade and tariffs, included below, with the Trump administration, media, and industry.
January 31, 2025
President Donald Trump has indicated the U.S. will announce a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10 percent tariff on goods from China as soon as tomorrow, February 1st. However, no further details have been released on the process of how the tariffs will be implemented.
Key questions remain, including possible exemptions, legal authority, and implementation timelines. Until the official announcement is made, media reports are speculative. IFPA is closely monitoring updates and actively engaging with the Trump administration on the perspectives within the fresh sector and will share more information as soon as it becomes available.
IFPA will continue to advocate its position on trade and tariffs with the Trump administration, media and industry.
IFPA will share more information in the following days as details become available.