ASTA Statement on Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade Policy
The following statement is attributable to Laura Shumow, Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA):
“The U.S. spice industry values the Administration's America First trade policy to negotiate and implement trade agreements that strengthen the American economy and promote U.S. competitiveness. We support fair and balanced trade policies that reflect the realities of global supply chains and ensure U.S. consumer access of essential imported ingredients, such as spices. These spices naturally add flavor and promote consumption of nutritious and whole foods, and are not otherwise available in the U.S.
“Many essential spices, including cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla, require tropical conditions and cannot be cultivated domestically on a commercial scale. Tariffs on these products – including additional new tariffs announced this week – do not incentivize U.S. production or create American jobs. Instead, they place an undue financial burden on U.S. food manufacturers, restaurants, and ultimately, American consumers.
“In fact, the importation of these essential spices supports innovations and operations within the $1.2 trillion U.S. food service industry, including about 50,000 direct U.S. spice industry jobs. These jobs in processing, quality assurance, distribution, and product development contribute significantly to the broader food and restaurant sector, which employs millions of Americans.
“ASTA is encouraged by language within the U.S.-Indonesia Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, under which the U.S. may identify certain commodities not naturally available or domestically produced in the U.S. for a further reduction in the reciprocal tariff rate (often referred to as “Unavailable Natural Resources”). This is a positive sign that the Administration is considering the unique challenges faced by industries that rely on imported agricultural products due to climate and growing conditions.
“We strongly encourage the Administration to implement this promising framework for spices that cannot be commercially produced in the U.S. across all relevant trade agreements, including potential future deals with any other key trade partners from which our industry sources these critical Unavailable Natural Resources, including Brazil, Egypt, India, Madagascar, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“ASTA remains committed to working closely with the Trump Administration and key agencies to ensure that U.S. trade policies support – not unintentionally harm – American sectors that rely on goods unavailable in the domestic market. We firmly believe that smart, targeted trade policies can support the U.S. spice industry and other American businesses, while helping to keep grocery costs down for families.”
Laura Shumow
Executive Director
American Spice Trade Association
630-542-3482
Related Resources
ASTA Letter to the U.S. Trade Representative on the Generalized System of Preferences
ASTA sent a letter to Merideth Sandler of the GSP Subcomittee in August 2006 emphasizing the importance of certain countries including India and Brazil to the U.S. spice market and expressing concern for the economic growth of beneficiary countries, emphasizing the positive effects of the GSP program on creating economic opportunities and expanding trade.
ASTA Statement on U.S.-Indonesia Trade Framework
ASTA's Executive Director issues a statement on the Administration's America First trade policy to negotiate and implement trade agreements that strengthen the American economy and promote U.S. competitiveness, such as the recent deal with Indonesia.
