Mexican tomato exporters are at risk of losing U.S. market share but at least they can likely count on this season, according to Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) president Lance Jungmeyer.

The U.S. Department of Commerce plans to scrap the tomato suspension agreement, which prevents anti-dumping cases against the Latin American country, and the U.S. International Trade Commission is accepting comments until Jan. 2.

"I would say at this stage that we do not expect any outcome to impact on what happens this winter season, for tomato growers until the end of May," Jungmeyer told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"Because of the procedural hurdles involved I don't see it being a problem for this season, and at least that gives growers time to prepare for next year."

The Mexican industry has proposed to raise the minimum price, but Jungmeyer says the U.S. tomato growers have demanded more.

"The danger is that this will raise the price of tomatoes and then people will be eating fewer tomatoes."

He adds it is to uncertain to say how the process will go, and the industry will probably have a better idea in February.

www.freshfruitportal.com