The California Prune Board (CPB) has recently announced the UK Government’s decision to suspend the UK import tariff on prune juice and prune juice concentrate.
The announcement follows an application led by the CPB through the Nut & Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA), on behalf of its UK trade members.
Expected to come into effect from 11th April 2024, the suspension sees the removal of the 16% tariff on prune juice and prune juice concentrate (commodity code 2009 8999 99) until at least 30th June 2026.
Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing & Communications for the CPB, says: “The tariff suspension on prune juice and prune juice concentrate is positive news for the California Prune industry and the UK trade. It gives us a level playing field with the likes of Chile and France while providing UK consumers with more choice and greater access to a nutritious product.”
The prune juice tariff suspension follows last year’s removal of the 8% tariff on the import of US prunes, which will remain effective until at least 31st December 2024. As the world’s leading prune producer, California is renowned for the premium nature, versatility and health benefits of its produce; characteristics further amplified by the CPB’s promotional activities in the UK and other markets.
Esther adds: “California Prunes are grown and harvested in world-leading conditions, which results in exceptional taste and consistent sizing, underpinned with reliability of supply. The removal of tariffs on dried prunes and now prune juice and prune juice concentrate is a real boost for the industry and comes at a time when UK consumers are showing an increasing interest in natural and healthy food and drink.”