Clock ticks toward 21% U.S. tariff on Mexican tomatoes

Mexico’s tomato industry is bracing for turmoil after the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in April a plan to end the 2019 suspension agreement and impose a 20.91% anti-dumping duty on most fresh tomato imports, effective July 14, 2025. This move, aimed at protecting U.S. growers — particularly in Florida — follows decades of trade disputes and concerns over below‑cost imports.

Industry analysts warn the tariff could push U.S. tomato prices up by 10–50%, affecting everyday goods like salads and sauces. With Mexico providing approximately 70% of fresh tomatoes consumed in the U.S., this protectionist step risks disrupting supply chains and potentially threatening 50,000 U.S. jobs in the tomato value chain.

Mexican exporters — including those growing in regions like Sinaloa, Baja California, and Michoacán — are calling for urgent negotiations. Representatives from Mexico’s farm groups and U.S. distributors recently met in Washington to seek a diplomatic resolution and avoid the looming duty. Mexican officials have also hinted at potential retaliatory tariffs on U.S. meat products.

If no agreement is reached before the July deadline, Mexico faces the prospect of a forced slowdown in its leading export sector, with ripple effects across rural economies and retail prices on both sides of the border.

source: debate.com.mx

photo: gob.mx