In addition to the non-tariff barriers the European Union has imposed on U.S. peanut exports to Europe, the EU now requires a 25% tariff on peanut imports.  The U.S. Peanut Federation has asked U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to assist the U.S. peanut industry in resolving these trade issues with the EU.

Southeast growers, shellers and buying points stated in their letter to Ambassador Lighthizer and Secretary Perdue:

The European Union and United Kingdom historically are one of the largest export markets for U.S. peanuts. In 2019, the EU imported nearly $180 million of U.S. peanuts and peanut products. Nearly all of these exports are in-shell and shelled peanuts (HS Codes 1202.41 and 1202.42), U.S. exports of which equaled $168 million in 2019. Because the EU can source in-shell and shelled peanuts from other countries, the U.S. peanut industry will not be able to compete in the EU and UK markets with an additional 25% tariff, and we will lose this market just as our crop is being harvested.

Source: American Peanut Shellers Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.