In the sun-kissed fields of Kern County, almond growers are gearing up for potential economic hurdles spurred by ongoing tariffs. Dr. Aaron Hegde, an economics professor at California State University, Bakersfield, voiced concerns over retaliatory tariffs that could threaten the livelihoods of local producers. He cautioned that such tariffs may linger long after disputes are resolved, referencing the tariffs imposed by India on U.S. almonds, which took three years to repeal after the trade war officially ended in 2020.
Hegde highlighted that China and India pose significant worries for almond growers due to their vast populations and limited capacity for almond cultivation. “China is a big one. India is the largest. The climate is not there to grow almonds, at least to the capacity that they need,” he stated, emphasizing the pressing demand from over a billion people in each nation.
Opinions in Kern County about tariff policies implemented during the Trump administration vary widely. Sebastian Oliveros, a retired auto worker, urged people to exercise patience, implying that quick fixes are unrealistic. He remarked, “He has only been there for a couple of months,” referring to the new administration’s early decision-making, while acknowledging the potential price hikes impacting foreign car parts.
Conversely, Hegde scrutinised the overall efficacy of these tariffs in achieving a balanced trade. He explained that a trade deficit, like the one with China, stems from consistently buying more from them than they do from the U.S. He noted, “Very few countries, you can say, took advantage of the United States by having tariffs,” suggesting a complex economic landscape that needs careful navigation.
For his part, Oliveros remains optimistic about future outcomes, drawing a parallel between the current tariff situation and the trials of initiating a new business. “Just like starting a business, you lose money to start it, but once you get it figured out, the money starts coming in,” he asserted, hinting that today’s tough decisions could pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow for America.
Kern County almond growers face potential economic challenges due to tariffs, particularly those retaliated by major populations like China and India. Dr. Aaron Hegde warns that such tariffs can persist long after trade disputes conclude. Local opinions on tariff policies vary, with some urging patience while others remain hopeful for long-term gains, comparing current struggles to starting a new business.
In summary, Kern County almond growers are bracing for potential tariff-related challenges, with experts like Dr. Hegde highlighting the risks posed by countries like China and India. While opinions on tariff policies are mixed, the lingering effects of these economic measures underline the complexity of trade relationships. Both skepticism and optimism coexist, as local stakeholders navigate the uncertain future of almond production.
Original Source: bakersfieldnow.com
