California Farmers Feel Impact of Renewed Trade Fight
California agriculture built strong export ties with China over decades, but new research shows how quickly that can unravel. A study from the University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics reports a sharp decline in trade, highlighting the risks tied to policy shifts.
Researchers found the value of the top 13 California agricultural exports to China dropped from about $1.55 billion in 2024 to $554 million in 2025. That is a 64% decrease in just one year. The losses followed renewed tariffs between the United States and China, which redirected demand to competing suppliers. Tree nuts were hit especially hard, with pistachio exports falling by about $478 million and almond exports dropping by roughly $228 million. Shipments also declined sharply. Local economies felt the impact, with major losses in counties like Fresno and Kern.
As one researcher noted, "Trade policy shifts can easily destroy more than they protect." They say that, long term, rebuilding trust and market share could take years. For more, visit https://s.giannini.ucop.edu/uploads/pub/2026/02/27/v29n3_1.pdf
