How Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Could Hurt California’s Almond Industry

Farmers in California’s Central Valley are keeping a close eye on former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, fearing potential consequences for their exports.

Daniel Bays, a third-generation almond farmer in Westley, Stanislaus County, understands these concerns firsthand. His family farm, which has cultivated almonds since the 1960s, spans 160 acres, with a significant portion dedicated to the crop.

Bays recalls how Trump’s 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum triggered Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including almonds. The Almond Board of California reports that 70% of the state’s almonds are exported, making the industry highly vulnerable to trade restrictions.

Rising Costs and Market Uncertainty

“At the end of the year, it will impact us,” Bays explained. “As tariffs or added costs come into play, the price of the product for buyers increases. Sometimes they’re willing to pay, sometimes they’re not.”

Almonds are a major player in Stanislaus County’s economy, making up 53% of international exports in 2023, according to the county’s annual crop report.

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While tariffs primarily affect handlers—the large corporations that purchase crops from small farmers—the financial strain eventually reaches growers like Bays. Lower payments from handlers can create financial challenges, making it harder for small farms to stay competitive.

Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Outlook

Despite these challenges, Bays remains focused on both short-term difficulties and long-term outcomes.

“Tariffs might hurt us in the short term by driving down prices,” he noted. “But sometimes, short-term pain is necessary to create a stronger market in the future.”

For now, almond farmers like Bays are closely monitoring trade developments, hoping to navigate potential shifts in pricing and international demand.

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Lailyah Duncan

Lailyah Duncan is an insightful writer at The Chieftain Spear, where she explores themes of culture, resilience, and community through compelling storytelling. Passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to light, Lailyah's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering voices and fostering meaningful conversations. With a talent for weaving narrative and purpose, she continues to inspire her readers with thought-provoking articles that celebrate heritage and advocate for positive change.

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