Deadline Arrives for US Tariff on Mexican Tomatoes

As a new 20.91% tariff on Mexican tomato exports to the United States takes effect today, the Mexican government expressed confidence in its ability to mitigate its economic impact. While US authorities have not officially announced the tariffs enter into effect, President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that it is difficult for the United States to meet its domestic demand for tomatoes, suggesting a continued reliance on Mexican producers despite the new duty.

The trade tension stems from the US Department of Commerce's decision, announced in mid-April 2025, to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes From Mexico. This agreement had, for years, prevented steep tariffs in exchange for Mexican producers adhering to minimum pricing rules.

The termination of this agreement is set to take effect today, July 14, 2025, which would automatically trigger a 20.91% duty on most fresh tomato imports from Mexico. This has created a high-stakes situation because the United States is the destination for 99% of Mexico's tomato exports. Furthermore, experts warn that the suspension would threaten up to 50,000 US jobs in border states like Arizona and Texas that are part of the tomato supply chain.

At the time of writing, US authorities have not yet issued an official announcement confirming that the tariff on Mexican tomatoes had gone into effect.

During her morning press conference, President Sheinbaum said the federal government and state authorities in Sinaloa and Sonora are engaging with tomato producers to determine a strategy to reduce potential impacts. “It is very difficult to stop Mexican tomato exports to the United States as it cannot meet its internal demand with its national production,” she stated. 

Update: The US Department of Commerce announced this Monday afternoon that it is officially withdrawing from the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico, reports Reuters. Following this withdrawal, the United States will impose a 17.09% anti-dumping duty on most fresh tomato imports from Mexico.