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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Export pains linger for Washington growers, processors

Tri-City Herald (Kennewick)

A labor dispute-related slowdown of exports from Washington ports continues to consume the possible earnings of Mid-Columbia farmers, processors and exporters.

Washington agricultural exporters are missing the window to ship apples and other products to Asia for Chinese New Year and the profits that would come from a normally peak shipping season.

That means customers are going to other suppliers, said Jon DeVaney, Washington State Tree Fruit Association president. And exporters fear it will take years to recover that business because American products will no longer be considered reliable.

Customers of Washington’s potato processors and shippers are running out of supplies, said Matt Harris, director of government affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission.

McDonald’s in Japan is rationing its french fries, only selling the small size to customers, and has airlifted some fries into the country to try to meet demand. Japan is Washington’s largest export market for french fries.

The slowdown is into its eighth week, and a resolution to the labor dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association does not seem to be any closer.

The Pacific Maritime Association said it and the union remain far apart on several issues despite seven months of negotiations.