California Walnut Commission celebrates new expanded access to EU market 

Following its publication in the European Union’s official journal last week, the country bloc formally adopted the tariff regulation signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump in July 2025. 

The provision, which came into effect on July 1 and will remain in place until at least 2029, officially sets zero-percent tariffs on various American dried fruits, including dried grapes, apricots, and prunes. Additionally, the legislation includes a 500,000-metric-ton tariff-rate quota for US tree nuts entering the EU. 

The benefited category includes almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.

A win for California walnuts 

In a statement, the California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomed this development, as the quota-based scheme grants the industry access to the world’s leading category importer, accounting for 30 percent of the total supply. 

“Improved access allows European importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to have access to high-quality California walnuts, while supporting the long-term sustainability of our growers,” said the organization. 

The CWC noted that the timing of the provision is crucial, as the sector is facing rising production costs and increasing supply amid a fiercely competitive and uncertain global marketplace. 

*All images are referential.

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