8�SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025�ABASTO.COM SPECIAL INSERT Agriculture industry By Hernando Ramírez-Santos M exican producers, au- thorities and U.S. bu- siness leaders reacted with frustration to the U.S. decision to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agree- ment. Te U.S. Department of Commerce announced July 14 that, with the termi- nation of the pact, it will impose a 17.09% antidum- ping duty on fresh tomato imports from Mexico. MEXICO REJECTS DECISION, CALLS IT UNFAIR Te Mexican government was notifed the same day of the agreement’s cance- llation and the start of the new tarif on Mexican ex- ports. Expressing its rejection, Mexico’s Economy and Agriculture ministries ca- lled the measure “unfair” and harmful to both na- tions. “Te U.S. market has em- braced Mexican tomatoes for their quality, not becau- se of unfair practices,” the Mexican government said in a statement. It recalled that since 1996, U.S. producers have alleged dumping, though the process was suspended fve times, most recently in 2019. Over the past 90 days, the Mexican government su- pported its tomato growers in negotiations with U.S. authorities and producers. However, despite seve- ral constructive proposals from Mexico, the U.S. side MEXICO SEEKS NEW DEAL AFTER END OF TOMATO SUSPENSION AGREEMENT accepted none. Te Mexican government blamed politi- cal motives for the rupture. It also warned that “two out of every three tomatoes con- sumed in the U.S. come from Mexico,” making it impossible to replace that supply. Te ministries stated they will continue suppor- ting producers to achieve a new agreement, as happe- ned in 2019 after four mon- ths of talks. Tey will also back the industry in exploring new international markets and strengthening value-added agribusiness processing. U.S. PRODUCERS, LAWMAKERS FEAR PRICE HIKES In the U.S., the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) criticized the decision, warning that consumers will pay more for less variety. Texas is among the most afected states, said Repre- sentative Vicente González, who fears shortages and price increases nationwide. “Te Rio Grande Valley depends on this trade,” the congressman said. “Tis measure jeopardizes over 30,000 jobs in Texas.” State Representative Ryan Guillen estimated that Texas could lose up to $4.5 billion in economic ac- tivity without the Tomato Suspension Agreement. UP TO $4.5 BILLION COULD BE LOST IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN TEXAS WITHOUT THE TOMATO SUSPENSION AGREEMENT. 8�SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 ABASTO.COM MEXICO SUPPLIES 70% OF THE FRESH TOMATOES CONSUMED I N THE U.S. IF TOMATOES BECOME THE NEW EGGS, CONSUMERS WILL PAY MORE. THIS HURTS OVER 50,000 JOBS”.