Mexico sets minimum export prices for tomatoes
Through an official press release, the Mexican government announced it is setting minimum export prices for its fresh tomatoes. The decision comes after President Donald Trump imposed a 17 percent tariff on fresh tomatoes and withdrew from the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA).
The U.S. tomato industry has long advocated against the TSA, arguing Mexican tomato companies dump tomatoes into the U.S. market, "undercutting American growers and circumventing enforcement mechanisms."
The announcement sets minimum prices per kilo as follows:
- $0.88 for Roma tomatoes
- $0.95 for round tomatoes
- $1.70 for cherry and grape tomatoes
- $1.70 for other specialty varieties, including Cocktail, Campari, Kumato, Mini Roma, Heirloom, Pear, Medley, and San Marzano.
According to a statement by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, the measure was created to protect producers, prevent market distortions, and ensure national supply. In the same vein, the government office stated that prices are now in effect and will be revised annually, or even more frequently, depending on market conditions.
The agreement is backed by all tomato producers’ associations involved in the U.S. export market, and applies only to definitive exports, does not restrict volumes, or set maximum prices.
Related stories:
U.S. imposes 17% tariff on fresh tomatoes from Mexico
CEA Alliance: Quality is hurting the Florida tomato sector—not dumping
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