Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: agricultural trade

  • Pecans Shipped to China Must Pay Anti-Dumping Fees

    As of Aug. 11, 2026, importers of pecans from the United States and Mexico must pay provisional anti-dumping duties, in the form of deposits, following a preliminary ruling by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Aug. 10. Imports from the United States are subject to a deposit rate of 54.3% of the product value, pushing the total import duty rate for U.S. pecans to 86.3%. This report contains an unofficial translation of the MOFCOM announcement and a table detailing deposit rates for various companies from the two countries.

    General Information

    On Aug. 10, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) published on its website a preliminary ruling on the anti-dumping investigation of imported pecans from Mexico and the United States (MOFCOM Announcement No. 32 of 2026). The preliminary ruling determines that imports of pecans originating from Mexico and the United States are being dumped, that the domestic pecan industry has suffered substantial harm, and that there is a causal link between the dumping and the substantial harm. Therefore, MOFCOM has decided to implement provisional anti-dumping measures in the form of a security deposit. Effective Aug. 11, when importing pecans originating in Mexico and the United States, importers shall provide security deposits to Chinese Customs based on deposit rates for each company as determined by the preliminary ruling. The MOFCOM spokesman commented that since no U.S. companies participated in the investigation, the deposit rate for all U.S. companies is set at 54.3% based on “facts available,” in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and WTO rules.

    Meanwhile, all interested parties may submit written comments to MOFCOM within 10 days from the issuance date of this announcement (i.e., by Aug. 20). According to the original announcement about the anti-dumping investigation, the final ruling will be published before Sept. 25, with a possible extension of six months. On Sept. 25, 2025, MOFCOM initiated an anti-dumping investigation against pecans imported from Mexico and the United States (MOFCOM Announcement No.52 of 2025). MOFCOM stated that preliminary evidence indicated pecans from Mexico and the United States were exported to China at prices below normal value, causing price undercutting and suppression for like products within the domestic industry. Therefore, MOFCOM had decided to conduct investigations through methods such as questionnaires, samplings, hearings, and on-site verifications.

    The United States and Mexico are the two top pecan producers, followed by South Africa. The United States was the second largest pecan supplier to China in 2024 with an export volume of 18,800 metric tons (MT) (see Table 1). However, pecan exports from all origins to China dropped dramatically in 2025 because of subdued consumption amid an economic downturn.

    In addition to the most favored nation (MFN) tariff, U.S. pecans also face a retaliatory Section 232 tariff (15%), Section 301 tariff (30%, which can be excluded), and reciprocal tariff (10%). Including the anti-dumping duties, the total duty rate imposed on U.S. pecans is 86.3%. Refer to USDA GAIN report CH2025-0209 for the latest tariff updates. Click here to read more about the new policy and rates — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service China Staff

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for 0% EU Tariff

    The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts — including walnuts — to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated:

    “The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and European customers and consumers.

    “The quota basis tariff reduction provides access to an important market, which is the walnut industry’s largest export market, importing about 30% of global supply. Improved access allows European importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to have access to high-quality California walnuts, while supporting the long-term sustainability of California walnut growers.

    “The news comes at a critical time for California walnut growers, many of whom continue to face rising production costs, increasing supply and a competitive and uncertain global marketplace.

    “The CWC appreciates the efforts of U.S. and European policymakers, trade officials and industry stakeholders whose work contributed to this development.”

    The Almond Board of California also praised this development, saying it “brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions.”

  • EU Opens New 0% Tariff Rate Quota for U.S. Almonds

    California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world’s largest premium food markets following the European Union’s approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds.

    The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas. For almonds, qualifying shipments can now enter the European Union at a 0% tariff until the quota is filled, providing a more competitive position for U.S. almonds in the marketplace. The new regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.

    The announcement brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, the European Union had proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. While almonds were discussed as part of those potential countermeasures, the tariffs were repeatedly delayed as negotiations continued, creating uncertainty for exporters serving European customers.

    Prior to the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the EU under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that offered reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement expands preferential access by establishing a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, improving market access and helping maintain the competitiveness of California almonds in Europe.

    For California’s almond industry, the development reinforces the value of stable trade relationships. The European Union remains an important destination for California almonds, where demand for nutritious snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota can help strengthen the industry’s position with European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing the uncertainty that has surrounded transatlantic trade discussions over the past year. — Story provided by the Almond Board of California

  • Opportunities for CA Tree Nuts & Dairy in Upcoming Trade Mission to Mexico

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico, scheduled for November 3–6. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Mexico’s dynamic agricultural market must apply by Thursday, July 31.

    “Strengthening export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is a top priority of USDA,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in Mexico, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

    Mexico was the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2024, with sales totaling more than $30 billion, supporting approximately 190,000 U.S. jobs. Agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) reached nearly $79 billion in 2024 and has shown consistent growth over the last decade.

    To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, in June, Secretary Rollins launched a Bold Plan to combat New World Screwworm (PDF, 434 KB) by protecting our border at all costs, increasing eradication efforts in Mexico, and increasing readiness. USDA also announced the groundbreaking of a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas. This facility will provide a critical contingency capability to disperse sterile flies should a NWS detection be made in the southern United States.

    Growing U.S. exports to Mexico are supported by factors such as rising disposable income among Mexico’s upper middle class, familiarity with U.S. products and food trends, and strong demand for high-quality agricultural goods.

    Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and have increased by more than 75 percent between 2020 and 2024. USDA anticipates strong export opportunities across several product sectors, including:

    •Beef, poultry, and related products

    •Dairy products

    •Seafood

    •Tree nuts

    •Pet food

    •Baking and food processing ingredients

    Additional opportunities exist for U.S. products such as animal feed, rice, pulses, seed potatoes, and livestock genetics.

    During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will connect directly with buyers from Mexico City and surrounding regions through business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits, and networking events led by FAS staff and regional experts.

    For more information or to apply, see the Mexico Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage. The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025.

    The Mexico trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and Peru have delivered measurable success for U.S. exporters. Applications are now closed for the trade mission to Taiwan. To learn more about FAS agribusiness trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.