US to Impose 21% Tariff on Mexican Tomatoes Starting July

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The United States will begin imposing a steep 20.91% anti-dumping tariff on most tomato imports from Mexico starting July 14, citing concerns over unfair pricing that it says is harming domestic growers.

The US Department of Commerce announced on Monday that the current trade agreement with Mexico has failed to protect American farmers. The new duty comes after a formal investigation concluded that Mexican producers were exporting tomatoes at prices below fair market value, undercutting US counterparts.

This move is part of broader trade enforcement efforts but differs from typical across-the-board tariffs, such as those seen during President Donald Trump’s previous trade wars. Anti-dumping duties are narrowly targeted and follow findings of specific market harm.

🇲🇽 Mexico Responds with Optimism and Concern
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed confidence that both countries will engage in discussions before the tariff takes effect.

“This process has happened many times, and Mexico always comes out winning,” Sheinbaum told reporters. “Even if the duty is applied, Mexican tomatoes will still flow into the US market — because there is no substitute.”

Mexico is the largest supplier of US farm imports, shipping vast quantities of fresh vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, avocados, and berries. In 2024, Mexico exported 1.88 million tons of tomatoes, and it is expected to reach 1.91 million tons in 2025. An overwhelming 98% of those exports go to the US, with Canada receiving the remainder.

🌽 US Agri Imports Now Outpace Exports
Despite being a global agricultural powerhouse, the US is increasingly reliant on food imports. The US Department of Agriculture estimates a record $49 billion agriculture trade deficit in 2025, driven by rising imports of products like coffee, sugar, and avocados.

🇲🇽 Mexican Officials Warn of Price Hikes
Mexico’s Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue criticized the allegations of dumping as baseless and warned that the tariff could push tomato prices higher in the US.

“Six out of ten tomatoes consumed in the US are from Mexico,” Berdegue said. “Their tomatoes, their salads, their ketchup — all of it is going to get more expensive.”

He emphasized Mexico’s openness to dialogue but cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to price shocks for American consumers.

As trade tensions simmer, all eyes will be on upcoming negotiations between the two neighboring agricultural heavyweights.