ASTA Statement on New Tariffs on Imported Goods
The following statement is attributable to Laura Shumow, executive director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
“The U.S. spice industry appreciates the Administration’s efforts to strengthen the American economy and grow U.S. manufacturing and agriculture. We support a strong and fair U.S. trade policy and applaud the Administration’s focus on securing more equitable treatment for American exports. These initiatives are critical to ASTA members who make significant contributions to a healthy and safe food supply for U.S. businesses and consumers. Spices are essential ingredients in many grocery items and virtually every home cooked and restaurant meal.
“Despite the Administration’s best efforts to protect American interests, ASTA remains concerned about the unintended negative consequences new tariffs will have on our industry and American consumers. We reiterate our request that the Administration implement a tariff exclusion process and exempt spices that are not grown in the United States. Many spices—such as black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg—require tropical conditions and cannot be cultivated domestically on a commercial scale. As such, tariffs on these products do not incentivize U.S. production or create American jobs. Instead, they place a significant financial burden on U.S. food manufacturers, restaurants, and ultimately, American consumers.
“ASTA looks forward to meeting with Trump Administration officials and having a productive dialogue with key agencies on this important issue. We are eager to help ensure that U.S. trade policies do not unintentionally harm sectors that rely on goods unavailable in the domestic market. ASTA firmly believes there is a path to protecting the U.S. spice industry and other American businesses, while keeping costs down for American families who depend on spices as part of their daily diet. After all, ensuring access to safe and affordable spices directly supports the Make America Healthy Again initiative’s goal of promoting healthier eating among U.S. families.”
Related Resources
Looking Back at the ASTA Networking Lunch at IFT
Last week, ASTA hosted its member-exclusive networking lunch for colleagues in Chicago for the IFT FIRST Expo! ASTA members heard from association leadership, including ASTA President Peter Sayia of A.A. Sayia & Company, Inc., who shared reflections on the success of ASTA’s advocacy initiatives this year while previewing ASTA’s forthcoming website redesign and the new tools and features that will soon be available to ASTA’s members in the next few weeks. Thank you to all who joined!
Map Where Spices Grow: Impact on Global Trade
This map illustrates examples of where key spices are grown around the world. Most spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and cloves, require tropical conditions and cannot be cultivated on a commercial scale within the United States due to climate and geographical limitations. Because most spices cannot be grown domestically, the industry relies on global sourcing to obtain spices used to naturally flavor healthful foods that nourish American families every day. Spices are not only important for home cooking but are also essential inputs to the $9.4 trillion dollar American food industry, which employs millions of American citizens. Last year, the U.S. imported more than $2 billion of spices from more than 50 origin countries. Recognizing spices as “unavailable natural resources” in trade policy supports America’s food supply, strengthens the nation’s competitive manufacturing base, and prevents unnecessary cost increases for consumers and businesses.
