News
UK lifts tariff on California prune juice
Expected to come into effect from 11 April 2024, the suspension sees the removal of the 16% tariff on prune juice and prune juice concentrate until at least 30th June 2026.
The announcement followed an application led by the California Prune Board (CPB) through the Nut & Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA) on behalf of its UK trade members.
Esther Ritson-Elliott, director of international marketing and communications for the CPB, said: “The tariff suspension on prune juice and prune juice concentrate is positive news for the California Prune industry and the UK trade.
Level playing field
“It gives us a level playing field with the likes of Chile and France while providing UK consumers with more choice and greater access to a nutritious product.”
The prune juice tariff suspension follows last year’s removal of the 8% tariff on the import of US prunes, which will remain effective until at least 31st December 2024.
“The removal of tariffs on dried prunes and now prune juice and prune juice concentrate is a real boost for the industry and comes at a time when UK consumers are showing an increasing interest in natural and healthy food and drink,” Ritson-Elliott added.
The UK Government’s announcement of the tariff suspension comes as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Act receives Royal Assent.
Trade group
Once a member of the CPTPP, more than 99% of current goods exported to member countries will be eligible for zero tariffs, including Scotch whisky. Key members of the Indo-Pacific trade group include Australia, Canda and Japan.
Business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch said today’s agreement was a major step towards the UK becoming a full-fledged member of the Indo-Pacific bloc and the many benefits that come with that membership.
“We are leveraging our freedoms as an independent trading nation to open-up a new era of partnership with the fast-growing economies of tomorrow,” she added.
“Becoming a member of CPTPP offers brilliant new opportunities for British businesses and consumers through greater access to a market of over 500 million people – helping to grow the UK economy.”
