A Message from Our CEO

To our customers,

With spring approaching, we look ahead to a busy harvest season while closely monitoring the effects of both existing and upcoming tariffs. While some key categories continue to face challenges in early 2025, we remain optimistic about positive yields and rely on our extensive global network to navigate shifting trade conditions.

Import tariffs are, unsurprisingly, the top issue we’re focused on. We expect the situation on US import tariffs and retaliatory tariffs to remain fluid, and we’ll continue to closely monitor developments and communicate to our customers accordingly. The import tariff landscape as of today is as follows:

• As of March 4, imports from Mexico and Canada will be subject to a 25% duty, following the postponed February 3 implementation.
  • Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-manufactured goods immediately, first applied to a $30B tranche of products; an additional, larger tranche, is set to be announced in 3 weeks
  • Mexico is set to announce retaliatory tariffs on Sunday, March 9
• Additionally, after February’s 10% duty increase on all Chinese goods, an additional 10% will be imposed starting March 4.
• On March 12, a 25% tariff will take effect on steel and aluminum imports from all countries.

On the logistics front, TEU imports have surged to record levels in 2025, driven largely by accelerated inventory movement ahead of impending tariffs. We expect these elevated volumes to continue through the spring, leading to some congestion and delays, though conditions remain manageable.

Looking at the crop landscape, major pineapple-producing countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, continue to feel the lingering effects of El Niño. Widespread heat across these regions has impacted growing conditions, which could lead to lower-than-expected yields in the upcoming harvest.

In Ecuador, a combination of extreme drought and heavy rainfall is disrupting the production of wild hearts of palm. These challenging weather conditions have resulted in reduced harvests, and while suppliers continue to ship product, quantities remain lower than anticipated.

To stay abreast of the most up-to-date and in-depth details regarding the supply chain, freight, and crop updates, please read our Regional Market Updates provided below.

Keith Dougherty

CEO of Roland Foods