US Imposes 17.09% Tariff on Mexican Tomatoes

The U.S. Department of Commerce has withdrawn from the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement, immediately imposing a 17.09% tariff on most fresh tomato imports from Mexico. This action, part of President Trump's broader tariff agenda, responds to U.S. growers' complaints of dumping and unfair pricing by Mexican exporters, who supply about 70% of U.S. tomatoes. Supporters believe the tariff will boost the domestic tomato industry, particularly in Florida, while critics warn it could increase consumer tomato prices by 10% to 50% and disrupt supply chains. Business groups and lawmakers have expressed concerns about possible economic fallout and retaliatory steps from Mexico. The new tomato tariff is distinct from a separate 30% base tariff on other Mexican and EU imports, scheduled to begin in August. Economists expect U.S. tomato prices to rise rapidly, adding to current grocery inflation.