US trade commission finds that blueberry imports do not threaten domestic industry

The investigation was initiated following a request by the office of US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in September 2020 to address concerns from US farmers that imported fruit harms their industry. Groups representing two different sectors of the US blueberry industry testified on January 12 at a hearing before the ITC.

The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) said it is disappointed by the ITC ruling, while Latin American trade associations welcomed the decision. Daniel Bustamante of Peru’s ProArandanos called the ruling

« the product of efficient and organized work of the industry as a whole – great teamwork that determined that exports favor the consumption of blueberries with excellent quality throughout the year ».