California's wine industry, which dominates U.S. production and exports, faces challenges from competitive foreign markets and cheap imports. Grape growers, particularly those represented by Stuart Spencer of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, argue that tariffs proposed by President Trump might help rectify trade imbalances. They believe such measures would protect domestic producers from unfair foreign pricing strategies that negatively impact California's market. This perspective marks a significant shift, as many in the industry see potential benefits in tariffs to enhance competitiveness.
Stuart Spencer, head of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, says some of the state's largest wine producers are importing cheap bulk wines and blending them with domestic wines.
Many of the growers in our communities see tariffs as a positive option in correcting some of these imbalances. Our growers here in California want to compete on a level playing field.
California is a global wine superpower, accounting for 80% of the U.S. wine industry and 95% of the country's wine exports.
Grape growers say California is at a disadvantage when competing with other wine regions like France, Italy, Chile and Argentina.
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