The UK Government’s decision to extend the import tariff suspension on prunes has been welcomed by the California Prune Board. The announcement was made following the Autumn Budget on 30th October 2024 as part of a raft of extensions affecting UK imports of food.
Effective until 30th June 2026, the continued suspension of the 8% tariff on prunes (commodity code: 0813 2000 00) follows the 2021 application led by the CPB through the Nut & Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA), on behalf of its UK trade members.
Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing and Communications for the California Prune Board (CPB), says: “The decision to continue the tariff suspension gives dried fruit importers easy access to premium prunes and UK consumers more choice. It also keeps California Prune growers on a level playing field with competitors.
“The California Prune industry is known for its exceptional growing conditions, leading agricultural and sustainability standards, and sophisticated harvesting and drying techniques, all of which contribute to high-quality, naturally sweet prunes. What is more, our supply is consistent and reliable, with California Prunes sought after by consumers looking for the best tasting, versatile, and nutritious prunes.”
The extension to the tariff suspension on prunes follows the UK Government’s suspension this year of the 16% import tariff on prune juice and prune juice concentrate (commodity code 2009 8999 99) from April 2024 until at least 30th June 2026.