Extended tariff suspension provides more choice for UK prune importers

The California Prune Board has applauded the decision by UK Government to extend the tariff suspension on a range of food products, including U.S. origin dried prunes, prune juice, and prune juice concentrate.

The announcement was made following the Autumn Budget on 28th October 2026 as part of a raft of extensions affecting UK imports.  It also comes after an uptick in sales of California Prunes to the UK, with the popularity of fibre-rich prunes boosted by health-conscious consumers. Figures show that U.S. origin imports of prunes into the UK have increased by 108% in just two years[1]. 

The 8% UK import tariff on U.S. origin dried prunes[2] was originally suspended effective from 1st January 2023, while U.S. prune juice and prune juice concentrate[3] saw the 16% UK import tariff suspended from 11th April 2024. Both followed applications led by the California Prune Board (CPB) through the Nut & Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA), on behalf of its UK trade members. 

The decision to renew the suspensions, effective until 31st December 2028, gives UK dried fruit importers greater choice and is likely to be welcomed by those looking for a premium quality product, underpinned by the reliability of supply California is renowned for.

Esther Ritson-Elliott, Vice President, International Market Development at the CPB, says: “We are delighted that the tariff suspensions have been extended. The move grants easier access for UK trade members to our premium prunes and means California Prune growers are on a level playing field with competitors.

“In the face of rising costs, it is also good news for consumers who want high quality, natural and nutritious foods.”

High in fibre and a source of a range of vitamins and minerals, prunes are renowned for their nutritional profile and have been the subject of a consumer revival in recent years, partly driven by increasing interest in natural and healthy foods, social media trends like fibre-maxxing and the rise of GLP-1s, with weight loss medication users often seeking nutrient-dense foods like prunes to accompany their diets.

California produces around 40% of the world’s supply of prunes, and exports to nearly 80 countries. Its exceptional growing conditions, leading agricultural standards, and harvesting and drying techniques contribute to high-quality, naturally sweet prunes, making the US the world’s largest premium prune producer.

Esther adds: “UK trade buyers benefit from the consistency of sizing, elevated flavour profile and reliability of supply that the California Prune industry offers, while UK consumers enjoy the concentrated sweetness, high quality and nutritious profile of prunes.”

To find more about working with California Prunes, visit www.californiaprunes.net

[1] USDA FAS, Aug 2024 - Aug 2026

[2] Commodity code: 08132000

[3] Commodity code 2009 8999

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Editors notes

The California Prune Board was established in 1980 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

www.californiaprunes.net