AHPA mourns passing of longtime President Michael McGuffin (1951-2025) |
May 21, 2025 The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has published an herbal advocacy leave-behind to support the development of trade policies that protect access to essential herbs that cannot be grown domestically at the commercial scale necessary to meet consumer and industry demand. Intended to inform policymakers, the document highlights the potential consequences of tariffs on key botanicals – including, but not limited to, cinnamon, turmeric, and ashwagandha – that are widely used in dietary supplements, conventional foods, and personal care products. Existing and proposed tariffs on these imported herbs may lead to higher prices, supply chain disruptions, and diminished global competitiveness for American companies. “Millions of Americans rely on herbs to support their health and wellness,” said Graham Rigby, AHPA President & CEO. “It's critical that our trade policies reflect the realities of the herbal supply chain and ensure that U.S. companies are not penalized for importing ingredients for which there is no potential for domestic supply.” AHPA has been actively engaging with policymakers on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, D.C., to voice member concerns on tariffs, advocate for relief from regulatory and trade challenges, and safeguard the critical role that dietary supplements and natural products play in supporting public health. AHPA invites members and industry stakeholders to utilize the leave-behind in their own advocacy efforts as well. This new resource accompanies the recent publication of AHPA's tariff toolkit, designed to help companies in the dietary supplement and herbal product industries stay informed and compliant as they navigate the evolving landscape of international trade and tariffs. Together, these materials underscore AHPA's commitment to advocating for policies that promote industry growth while safeguarding consumer access to herbal products.