US needs duty-free broccoli, AFFI says

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is seeking federal approval of continued duty-free access…

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is seeking federal approval of continued duty-free access for frozen broccoli from Ecuador.

Without such action, AFFI says, US food makers could face significant supply disruptions and higher costs, which could result in higher food bills for consumers.

AFFI urged the office of US Trade Representative (USTR) to take action on two petitions, one filed by Superior Foods International, an AFFI-member, at a hearing held to determine whether to amend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.

The GSP program allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for hundreds of imported products from developing economies, such as Ecuador. A current trade pact that provides certain Ecuadorian products with duty-free access to the US market is set to expire in July, and may not be renewed by Congress.

AFFI Director of Regulatory and International Affairs John T. Allan stressed the need for USTR to take action to ensure continued duty-free access for Ecuadorian frozen broccoli, noting that nearly 95% of frozen broccoli consumed in America is imported -- with Ecuador the primary supplier. Putting tariffs on that broccoli, he said, would "force US companies to scramble for new sources of product, incur additional expenses, and reduce their workforces to absorb added costs, with consumers faced with potential supply shortages and increased prices at the grocery store."