Tomatoes From Mexico Hit With 21% Tariff

The Trump administration plans to withdraw from a trade agreement that allows Mexican tomatoes to enter the U.S. duty-free, imposing a 20.91% tariff starting July 14. The Commerce Department cited concerns from U.S. tomato growers about unfair competition from Mexican imports.

Under the current agreement, Mexican tomatoes are regulated by the Commerce Department, which sets minimum pricing. The 2019 deal, which resolved a tariff dispute, required Mexican producers to sell tomatoes above a reference price to avoid tariffs.

Mexico exports over half its tomatoes to the U.S., totaling $2.7 billion in 2023. The Florida Tomato Exchange, which has long pushed for restrictions, supports the tariff move, calling it a victory for domestic growers.