California, September 15, 2025
News Summary
California almond growers are grappling with a turbulent market due to expanded tariffs by the Trump administration. As the world’s leading almond producer, accounting for 80% of global supply, the state’s almond farmers are deeply concerned about the financial implications of these tariffs, which could reach as high as 25%. They worry about the impact on exports to key markets like China, the EU, and India, where previous tariffs have already cost the sector considerably. The uncertainty surrounding these trade policies raises questions about the economic future of California’s agricultural economy.
California almond growers are currently facing a turbulent market environment due to the expansion of tariffs by the Trump administration. As the largest agricultural state in the U.S., California produces an astounding 80% of the world’s almonds and exports a significant portion of this crop, making almonds the state’s most valuable food export. This predicament raises concerns not only within the almond industry but also has wider implications for California’s agricultural economy.
Almonds account for approximately 20% of California’s $23.6 billion in agricultural sales abroad and contribute to 2.5% of the state’s overall exports. Recent tariff announcements from the Trump administration, including a universal 10% tariff on imported goods and targeted rates as high as 25% for certain countries like Canada and Mexico, promise to create a challenging landscape for almond farmers. The California Almond Alliance has reached out to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to voice their concerns about the negative financial impact of these retaliatory tariffs.
Previous tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term have already incurred significant financial strains on the industry, with a reported 55% retaliatory tariff from China costing the almond sector hundreds of millions of dollars. Farmers have been vocal in their requests for government bailouts should the tariffs prove unavoidable in the future. The uncertainty surrounding trade policies is intensifying as farmers prepare for new harvests, with many worrying about the potential repercussions on their exports to key markets including China, the European Union, and India.
Currently, California nut growers have successfully sold last year’s almond crop at favorable prices, recovering from a previous market surplus. However, they now anticipate a larger crop this year, adding another layer of complexity to their economic outlook. Research from the University of California, Davis, indicates that resultant retaliatory tariffs could potentially cost California farmers billions of dollars, surpassing even the financial toll taken by the severe drought in 2021.
The almond industry also faces increased competition as countries like Australia could gain market share amid the escalating U.S. tariffs. Many growers are expressing concern about their prospects if these trade restrictions continue, especially given the heightened competition for international sales. Moreover, despite the challenges presented by the tariffs, California almond growers indicate some optimism towards Trump’s promises regarding water deliveries, though they remain cautious about the broader economic impacts of his trade policies.
As California almond growers brace for the upcoming harvest, the uncertain environment prohibits effective long-term planning and investment. The volatile interaction between tariffs and the global almond market places significant stress not only on the farms themselves but on California’s agricultural economy as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact of the tariffs on California’s almond industry?
The tariffs, particularly from markets like China, have led to significant financial losses for almond growers, with previous tariffs costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars. Current projections suggest that further retaliatory tariffs could lead to losses in the billions.
How much of the world’s almonds does California produce?
California is responsible for producing 80% of the world’s almonds, making it a critical player in the global almond market.
What percentage of California’s agricultural exports do almonds constitute?
Almonds account for roughly 20% of California’s $23.6 billion agricultural exports.
What are some potential plans for California almond growers moving forward?
Many growers are advocating for government support and are also shifting focus to markets outside of China, while preparing for new harvests amidst ongoing uncertainty with trade policies.
What competition does California face in the almond market?
Countries such as Australia may benefit from the U.S. tariffs, posing increased competition to California almond growers by potentially capturing additional market share in international sales.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Politico: Liberation Day Comes for California Almonds
- Wikipedia: Almond
- ABC10: California Almond Industry Tariffs
- Google Search: California almonds tariffs
- AP News: California Almonds and Tariffs
- Google Scholar: California almond trade policies
- Fox Business: Gavin Newsom on Almonds and Tariff Retaliation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California almonds
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
