California almond growers urge China-US trade reconciliation

After posting continuous year-over-year sales gains in China as their harvest yields continue to increase, Phippen told Xinhua, "We look at China as our big opportunity and it hasn't disappointed us so far."

Like an elder statesman, he cautions a less heated, wait-and-see attitude, "We would all be remiss to think these tariffs are permanent. American and China are important trading partners, not just for almonds - for all of our industries. Look at where we were many years ago versus where we are today. I don't think anyone in business wants to go back to where we were."

And he has high hopes everyone will see reason. In fact his best case scenario for the trade dispute resolution is, "A zero trade tariff. That should be the goal that both China and the US - and CA in particular - are after."

When asked if situation might get worse rather than better, he was quick to contradict the notion, "I don't expect that. This is just a 'dust up.' (The US and China) recognize each other as important global traders and we are going to respect that."

"In the end, it's important for both the American and the Chinese companies that we settle this dispute," he pointed out.

Looking at it from the Chinese point of view, he added, "And I don't think we want the Chinese consumer to ever be denied this safe, tasty product - a nutrient-rich one for every person in China who wants to avail themselves of it.

"How would countries serve their people well if they increased the tariffs to such high levels that it strangled trade?" he asked rhetorically. "I don't see it going there, because I think the people that lead us both here and in China, are smarter than that."

"If you have a disagreement with someone you care about, you go there. You share your concerns and you listen to theirs," Phippen stressed.