Multi-Industry Letter to Congress on Rail Strikes
ASTA signed onto a coalition letter from multiple industries to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, and Republican Leaders McConnell and McCarthy in November 2022 urging Congress to prevent a strike by any railroad union to prevent a stoppage of national rail service.
11/28/2022 at 5:15 am
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Related Resources
ASTA Letter Opposing Expansion of Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Spice Imports
On October 21, 2025, ASTA shared a letter with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) opposing the expansion of Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs to include any imported spices.
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.
