Mexican strawberry industry calls for calm in the midst of the US anti-dumping probe

The Mexican National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries, for its Spanish acronym) is clearing the air and calling local strawberry producers to stay calm as the US International Trade Commission (ITC) conducts an anti-dumping probe in the country. 

In a mid-March preliminary ruling, the ITC said it found reason to believe that the American strawberry industry is being negatively impacted by Mexican imports, sending ripples across the southern border.

Producers in the Aztec country have been speculating about what this decision means for a market heavily reliant on its neighbor to the north. Many worry that the anti-dumping probe will eventually lead to sanctions, tariffs, or quotas that would force Mexican producers to scramble to allocate a large crop in very little time.

However, in a public statement posted to its LinkedIn profile, Aneberries sought to provide clarity to the sector, underscoring the preliminary nature of the ITC ruling and explaining that a final decision will not come before the possibly year-long investigation concludes. 

Strawberry exporters caution against misinformation

In its statement, Aneberries provided an update on the status of the anti-dumping investigation and its implications for the Mexican berry industry.

"It is important to clarify that starting an investigation does not mean that a violation exists, nor that measures have been taken against Mexico," the organization emphasized.

The industry body detailed that the process formally began on January 5, 2026. By February 27, the ITC made a preliminary decision to continue the anti-dumping investigation. Aneberries was adamant that this decision "is NOT a final resolution and does NOT imply the application of tariffs or sanctions."

The investigation, in particular, analyzes information corresponding to the period from November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

Current state of the ITC probe

Today, the anti-dumping investigation is in a more detailed analysis phase, Aneberries said. US authorities selected two Mexican exporters and are reviewing their pricing information, sales volumes, and production costs to determine whether these data points indicate injury to the US strawberry industry.

If the latter cannot be demonstrated, the industry body said the investigation may be closed without consequences.

"To avoid misinformation, it is essential to understand that, so far, it has not been determined that Mexico has engaged in unfair practices or dumping; injury to the US industry has not been proven; and no tariffs or restrictions have been applied to Mexican strawberry exports," the entity concluded in its statement.

The ITC anti-dumping investigation into strawberry imports

The preliminary ITC ruling came three months after Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (SGFT), a coalition of 10 growers across Florida, requested a broad review of all fresh and refrigerated strawberry imports from Mexico during the winter season.

In the complaint, SGFT argues that low-priced Mexican strawberries entering during the winter months harm US growers and workers, affecting the local market and pushing down prices.

The decision, issued on March 10, 2026, favored plaintiffs, determining that there’s reason to continue investigating. The entire process could last over a year, after which the court is expected to reach a final determination on whether there was dumping in the American market and how this affected local producers. 

If the court continues to rule in favor of the plaintiffs, it will impose anti-dumping duties on all Mexican strawberry imports equivalent to the dumping margin.

*All images are referential

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