MI HR0143

Michigan produces 189 million pounds of tart cherries annually, representing approximately 75% of the nation's total tart cherry crop valued at $56.8 million in 2017.

Turkish imports of dried cherries have more than tripled from 2016 to 2018, with government-subsidized Turkish cherries selling for 89 cents per pound compared to $4.60 per pound for U.S. product, significantly depressing domestic prices.

The Dried Tart Cherry Trade Committee filed petitions on April 23, 2019, with the U.S. International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce alleging Turkey is flooding the U.S. market and causing material injury to domestic producers.

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a preliminary ruling in June finding Turkish imports had significant adverse impact on the domestic industry, with a final ruling expected in early 2020 to determine appropriate duties.

Resolution directs the House to support the cherry industry petition and urge the Commission and Department of Commerce to take protective action against Turkish trade practices, with copies to be sent to the U.S. International Trade Commission, Secretary of Commerce, and Michigan's congressional delegation.