Tariffs and extreme weather threaten Michigan’s cherry industry

29 Apr 2025
392

Between customs duties and adverse weather conditions, the Michigan cherry sector is facing one of the most critical challenges in its history. Experts warn that the entire supply chain is at a breaking point, with thousands of farms at risk.

Duties that protect... and penalize

The Michigan cherry industry, responsible for 75% of the national tart cherry production, is at a crossroads. The 10% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports could theoretically offer a competitive advantage against exporting countries like Turkey.

However, according to experts from Michigan State University (MSU), the balance risks being negative: production costs are skyrocketing due to the rising prices of fertilizers, pesticides, and imported specialized equipment.

The MSU report raises an alarm: a 10% increase in labor costs for the cultivation and processing of specialty crops could lead to the loss of over 1,600 jobs in the state.

Ripple effects would also harm other crops that share resources with cherries.

Numbers and global competition

In 2022, Michigan produced 180 million pounds (about 81.6 million kg) of tart cherries worth 36.5 million dollars (about 34 million euros), according to official data.

But international competitiveness is severely challenged, especially by producers like Turkey who export cherry juice at prices lower than American production costs.

Chris Bardenhagen, an expert in agricultural business management at MSU's Leelanau County Extension, emphasizes that even with tariffs, Turkish competition will remain strong.

"It will take years to understand whether the advantages will truly be significant," he says.

The weight of climate and uncertainty

Complicating matters further, extreme weather events in 2024 drastically reduced harvests.

According to Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the increase in agricultural exports in 2023 (+11% for a value of 2.9 billion dollars, about 2.7 billion euros) is not enough to reassure a sector so vulnerable to international trade shocks.

David Ortega, professor of agricultural economics at MSU, warns: "Uncertainty linked to tariff policies makes it extremely difficult for farmers to plan investments and strategies."

The producers' perspective

Mike Deruiter, a grower from Hart, reports that the value of his cherries has dropped by more than 40% since 2015, due to a lethal combination of trade policies, bad weather, and rising labor costs.

According to Deruiter, many farmers see tariffs as a "short-term pain" that could turn into a "long-term gain."

"Cautiously optimistic: that's the phrase I use most often," he concludes.

Conclusion

The future of the Michigan cherry industry appears uncertain, suspended between hopes for a competitive rebalance and fears of structural decline.

It will be crucial to monitor the evolution of trade policies and climate dynamics to understand whether the sector can overcome this double challenge — a testing ground that also closely concerns European producers facing similar issues.

Source: planetdetroit.org


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Tasmanian cherries reach Taiwan for Lunar New Year

Markets

17 Jan 2025

A launch event to celebrate the official start of the Tasmanian cherries season was held on January 8 in Taipei. The event brought together the Tasmanian cherry industry, Fruit Growers Tasmania, Cherry Growers Australia, and Austrade, along with Taiwanese importers and buyers.

Penny Measham appointed as new CEO of Cherry Growers Australia: expert leadership for cherries

Production

09 May 2025

Cherry Growers Australia appoints Penny Measham as new CEO from May 12, 2025. With an international background, she will confidently lead the cherry sector towards new goals, boosting global presence and strongly supporting local Australian growers.

In evidenza

Cherries worldwide: Turkey, Chile and USA lead global production and exports

Markets

04 Jul 2025

Turkey is now the world's leading cherry producer, followed by Chile and the USA. Based on FAO data, historical trends and projections to 2028, this article offers a full overview of the global cherry market, key exporting nations and the strategies of major producing countries.

CherryTech 2025: the largest technical showcase of the cherry industry

Events

04 Jul 2025

CherryTech 2025 brought together more than 1,600 professionals in Chile to explore the future of cherry production. With masterclasses, expert forums, and cutting-edge research, the event highlighted the importance of innovation, pruning techniques, and sustainable practices.

Tag Popolari