California almond growers said they were worried over losing exports to its 3rd largest export destination amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions, according to a statement of Almond Board of California.

"The entire California Almond industry is closely monitoring the recently imposed China tariffs, as China is the U.S.' 3rd largest export market for almonds, with a value of over 500 million U.S. dollars," said the Almond Board of California's President and CEO, Richard Waycott, in a statement published in American Journal of Transportation on April 13.

The Almond Board of California is an agricultural promotion group represents California Almond growers, processors and handlers. It provides information to members about the expectation of supply and demand each year, as well as monitors and creates marketing campaigns to their customers.

"Unimpeded market access in China and around the globe is essential, as almonds are California's top agricultural export," Waycott added.

Despite strong warnings from business groups and trade experts, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum last month that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China, and restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States. Trump also ordered his chief trade negotiator this month to consider imposing tariffs on an additional 100 billion dollars of Chinese products.

China vowed to fight back immediately and fiercely without hesitation. U.S. farmers are in the eye of the trade storm and worry that they will be the potential victims in the so-called trade war with China.

"We encourage continued efforts that will ensure that agriculture, within the global trade environment, continues to expand," said Waycott, appealing for an avoidance of actions that would jeopardize U.S. agricultural trade with China.

"Global almond trade is fundamental to the long-term well-being of the state by generating over 100,000 jobs across multiple professions, resulting in more than 21 billion U.S. dollars of gross revenue and adding about 11 billion U.S. dollars to the state's economy," according to the statement.

The U.S. almond industry has been active in China for more than 20 years, with marketing and trade promotion activities. Exports to China, prior to the additional tariff, were anticipated to continue growing at about 6 percent per year, according to the statement of Waycott.

"Market development activities in China have contributed to economic growth in both countries, benefiting California growers and Chinese consumers with a healthy, safe food choice," he stressed.

California is the world's largest producer of almonds, supplying about 80 percent of the global demand. There are around 6,800 California Almond farms. Of those, 91 percent are family farms.