Industry Leaders Commend USMCA Protections While Warning of Wider Tariff Consequences
President Donald Trump’s announcement on April 2, 2025, introduced new tariffs that could significantly influence international trade, particularly in the fresh produce sector.
Delivered from Washington, these measures arrive amid ongoing concerns about market stability, food prices, and the delicate balance of global supply chains.
With fresh fruits, vegetables, and florals representing a major share of North American and international trade, industry leaders are monitoring potential disruptions closely.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), led by CEO Cathy Burns, addressed these developments by emphasizing both the benefits and the risks that accompany tariff policies and broader trade decisions.
In a move that underscores the importance of sustaining open borders for produce, IFPA stressed the continued trade of specialty crops covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) appreciates the administration’s decision to allow the continued trade of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, 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 consumers continue to have access to fresh, affordable produce and floral products while supporting the growers and businesses that sustain the industry.”
This policy action provides a degree of security for producers who depend on open channels to distribute their goods throughout the year.
While IFPA commended the administration for allowing critical crops to move without undue interference, the organization also voiced apprehension over the broader application of tariffs.
Officials within the produce sector worry that an overly expansive use of tariffs could inflate costs for importers, exporters, and ultimately consumers.
This concern is rooted in how tariffs can unexpectedly impede the flow of goods, creating shortages or price spikes that affect household budgets and market predictability.
Fresh produce is often subject to narrow time windows due to ripeness, shipping constraints, and growing seasons, making even brief interruptions especially costly for growers and retailers.
The IFPA underlined the fragile nature of produce trade, explaining why sudden policy shifts can have lasting repercussions.
In such a competitive market, if a foreign buyer or seller withdraws from one partnership due to tariffs, it may pursue alternative sources and never return.
This can undercut the investment that countless growers and distributors put into building long-term, reliable commercial relationships.
The resulting strain can ripple across the supply chain, from seed suppliers and farm laborers to shipping companies and retail outlets.
At the same time, IFPA recognized the administration’s broader initiatives to streamline regulations and maintain a robust agricultural framework.
“We appreciate 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,” Burns said.
This appeal underscores a need to cultivate a policy environment that encourages innovation and cooperation.
Growers must navigate stringent labor requirements, fluctuations in consumer demand, and environmental considerations, all while competing in a global market.
Industry experts believe that balanced trade agreements and pragmatic policies could safeguard the flow of fresh food from farm to table.
Nonetheless, industry leaders appear determined to collaborate with the administration in developing tailored strategies that protect various stakeholders, from growers to end consumers.
“IFPA looks forward to working with the administration on balanced solutions that protect growers, businesses, and consumers alike,” Burns affirmed.
By actively engaging in dialogue with policymakers, IFPA members aim to craft measures that address inequities without unwittingly penalizing segments of the agriculture sector.
Many remain hopeful that a careful and measured approach to tariff enforcement, paired with ongoing regulatory reforms, can preserve market stability and foster healthy competition.
In this environment, ensuring year-round availability of fresh produce and florals ultimately benefits not only the North American market, but consumers worldwide seeking reliable and affordable access to nutritious foods.
