• Mexico is the top supplier of U.S. agricultural imports, and rising shipments of avocados, coffee, and sugar are set to push the trade deficit to a record $49 billion this year.
The United States has announced it will impose 21% tariffs on most tomato imports from Mexico, citing ‘unfair pricing,’ according to Arabic daily Al Qabas.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Commerce said the existing trade agreement with Mexico has failed to shield American farmers, prompting the imposition of a 20.91% anti-dumping duty on most tomato shipments, effective July 14.
Anti-dumping duties are typically imposed following government investigations that find certain products are being dumped into the U.S. market at unfairly low prices, making these duties distinct from the broader tariffs associated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war.
Mexico is the largest source of agricultural imports to the United States, with shipments including tomatoes, fresh berries, and other vegetables.
Although the United States is a global agricultural powerhouse, its food imports have increased in recent years. The value of these imports has surpassed the country’s exports of crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, imports of products such as avocados, coffee, and sugar are expected to push the country’s agricultural trade deficit to a record $49 billion this year.
