Mexico will soon pay a 17% tariff on fresh tomatoes into the U.S.
Officials hope the move will boost production here at home.
The Florida Tomato Exchange says that Mexico supplies around 70% of the U.S. tomato market. That is up from just 30% 20 years ago.
Leaders at the Tomato Exchange call the tariff a big win for American farmers, but opponents worry it will raise prices for American consumers.
Mexico calls the move unfair and says that their fruits have grown in popularity in the U.S. because of their quality, not unfair practices.
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The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.