急求“关税豁免令”！美国食品业碎片化游说求生

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. food industry is lobbying for tariff exemptions, arguing that certain products cannot be affordably produced domestically due to high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which have raised the actual tariff rate to its highest level in decades [2][3]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Food Industry - The food industry is particularly vulnerable to tariffs, as about 20% of the food consumed in the U.S. relies on imports, with seafood being heavily impacted due to the U.S. consuming 85% of its seafood from imports [2][3]. - The seafood trade deficit reached $24 billion in 2022, with approximately 90% of shrimp supply coming from imports, primarily from India [2][3]. - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) reported that the total import value of fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.S. is $36 billion, with Mexico being the largest supplier [3]. Group 2: Lobbying Strategies and Challenges - Industry groups are advocating for specific product exemptions rather than a blanket opposition to tariffs, indicating a fragmented approach to lobbying [2][3]. - The process for obtaining tariff exemptions is complex, with no unified mechanism currently in place for applications [3][5]. - The National Restaurant Association warned that tariffs on fresh produce could lead to significant price increases for restaurants, emphasizing the need for exemptions [3][5]. Group 3: Future Exemptions and Trade Agreements - Some food products may be exempt from tariffs under future trade frameworks, such as the agreement with Indonesia that includes provisions for non-domestically produced resources [3][4]. - The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) promises lower tariffs for food products that meet its criteria, indicating a potential pathway for certain goods to avoid high tariffs [4][5]. - The U.S. Commerce Secretary mentioned that natural resources not produced domestically, like coffee and mangoes, might qualify for tariff exemptions [5]. Group 4: Price Implications and Market Dynamics - The FMI noted that the price of cucumbers, which saw a rise in import dependency from 35% in 1990 to nearly 90% today, exemplifies the potential price increases due to tariffs [6]. - The food industry is seeking targeted tariff exemptions to support domestic production and employment, while acknowledging the high costs associated with tariffs [6]. - Industry representatives argue that reverting to the free trade policies of the 1990s is unrealistic, reflecting a shift in economic and political perspectives [6].