SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Congressional leaders from the western U.S. state of Oregon Wednesday urged President Donald Trump to relieve the state's hazelnut farmers from the ongoing tariff spat between the United States and China.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as three other representatives, all of whom represent Oregon, called on the Trump administration to work with China to reduce or eliminate Chinese tariffs that are harming Oregon's hazelnut farmers and making it more difficult for them to compete with growers in other countries.
In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, they said, "U.S. hazelnut farmers and producers find themselves at a disadvantage when competing with other producers that are subject to lower tariffs, or are not subject to tariffs at all."
Previously, China had a 25 percent and 10 percent tariff respectively on in-shell and shelled hazelnuts grown in the United States.
In response to the U.S.-initiated tariff war against China, the Chinese Government has raised tariffs on in-shell and shelled U.S. hazelnuts to 65 percent and 50 percent respectively, said the congressional leaders.
They urged Trump to engage with China to level the playing field for Oregon farmers and help their industry thrive.
"We encourage you to seek an elimination or substantial reduction of China's burdensome tariffs on Oregon in-shell and shelled hazelnuts as part of any future dialogue with China on tariff barriers to U.S. agriculture exports," they wrote.
The reduction or elimination of these tariffs would make a meaningful difference to Oregon family farmers and U.S. producers, they said.
About 800 farm families in Oregon grow hazelnuts on over 27,000 hectares.
In an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday, Larry George, co-owner of George Packing Company, said the 800 families and their employees will be directly affected by high tariffs on hazelnuts. Thousands of small businesses that serve those family farmers will also be affected.
He estimated that the hazelnut price will fall by 25 percent to 30 percent due to the trade disputes.
"The close relationships between Oregon businesses and China, Chinese businesses, and Chinese consumers are very important to the whole state of Oregon," George said. "I believe that most businesses and elected offices (from Oregon) are advocating that the two governments come together for the good of both countries."
Oregon hazelnut farmers will start harvesting their crop around Sept. 15.
"There is very little movement right now and the markets are totally quiet," George said, voicing his anxiety about a gloomy prospect for hazelnut sales and exports.
"The real impact is expected in about 30 days," he said.
