Multi-Industry Letter to Senators Klobuchar & Thune on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

The following statement is attributable to Laura Shumow, executive director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)

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.