Oppy boss and IFPA chair John Anderson warns Trump tariffs could cause significant supply distortion for fruit and veg trade
Donald Trump’s plan to place a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, apparently to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling, is a major concern for North America’s fruit and vegetable business, according to one of the trade’s leading figures.
John Anderson, who is chair, CEO and managing partner of leading fresh produce distribution and marketing company Oppy, told Fruitnet he believed the impact on fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain across the United States, Mexico and Canada would be considerable.
“I think this will create a problem for our industry if implemented,” he said. “[There will be] supply chain shifts for sure, with people looking for alternate supply and price volatility for all three countries.”
Anderson, who is also chair of industry body the International Fresh Produce Association, said he believed the proposed duties would distort current trade flows. “It could create supply shortages in some countries and oversupply in others,” he suggested.”
The outlook ahead of Trump’s 20 January inauguration was far from certain, Anderson added.
“I think there will be some compromise by all before this happens,” he predicted, “but I think we are in for a bumpy ride.”
