SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2018 — Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading non‐profit almond processing and marketing cooperative, applauds the signing of the updated United States‐Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) by President Trump and President Moon in New York City on September 24. With South Korea representing a top‐ten export market for California almonds, the continuation of the KORUS agreement is vital to the livelihood of California almond growers.
KORUS has provided significant benefits to California’s almond industry by removing or eliminating burdensome tariffs on almonds and almond products. Since implementation of the agreement in March 2012, almond shipments from California have more than doubled in value from approximately $84 million in pre-KORUS 2011 to nearly $174 million in 2017. The continuation of KORUS will allow for further growth and expansion of California almonds into South Korea.
Blue Diamond Growers extends its appreciation to President Trump and his trade negotiators for their dedication in successful completing this important initiative. The cooperative believes free trade agreements, such as KORUS, are necessary for American industries to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. We look forward to the completion of future and ongoing negotiations of agreements, particularly the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).