Jul 15, 2025
Tomato Suspension Agreement comes to an end
On July 14, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it was withdrawing from and terminating the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement.
The Commerce Department is withdrawing under Section XI.B of the 2019 agreement, which explicitly allows Commerce to take such an action with 90-days’ written notice, according to a news release.
“Now that the 2019 Agreement is terminated, Commerce is issuing an antidumping duty order, resulting in duties of 17.09% on most imports of tomatoes from Mexico. Antidumping duties are calculated to measure the percentage by which Mexican tomatoes have been sold in the United States at unfair prices,” the Commerce Department said in the release.
“Mexico remains one of our greatest allies, but for far too long our farmers have been crushed by unfair trade practices that undercut pricing on produce like tomatoes. That ends today,” Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said in the release. “This rule change is in line with President Trump’s trade policies and approach with Mexico.”
Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, lauded the change.
“Today’s decision is an enormous victory for American tomato farmers and American agriculture,” Guenther said in the release. We’re grateful for the decisive, bold, and crucial action taken by the Trump administration to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement.
“This decision will protect hardworking American tomato growers from unfair Mexican trading practices and send a strong signal that the Trump Administration is committed to ensuring fair markets for American agriculture. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recognized that five previous agreements with Mexico had failed and that strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws is needed to protect the stability of our food supply chain.
Guenther believes the termination will help American growers.
“By standing up for American agriculture, the Trump administration has defended the rule of law and prioritized fairness in trade,” Guenther said in the release. “This action ensures that American consumers will have more choices and higher-quality products, while strengthening America’s food system against future disruptions. We commend Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for his clear-eyed assessment and courageous action in finally terminating this flawed and ineffective agreement.”
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) also weighed in on the issue.
“Today marks a significant victory for growers across the U.S.,” FFVA said in the release. “The termination of the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement by the Administration signals a positive movement toward fairer competition, not only for tomato growers but for all specialty crop producers nationwide. For too long, unfair Mexican tomato imports have been dumped into the U.S. market, injuring the U.S. industry.
“This action demonstrates that U.S. trade laws can protect American farmers and ensures that U.S. consumers have access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. We are grateful to Commerce Secretary Lutnick and President Trump for listening to growers and leveling the playing field. And for the relentless advocacy of the Florida Congressional Delegation. The future of the industry is stronger without the undue pressures of unfair foreign trade.”
In 1996, the U.S. fresh tomato industry petitioned for relief because it claimed it was being materially injured by dumping of Mexican imports. Over nearly 30 years, there have been five suspension agreements (1996, 2002, 2008, 2013 and 2019).
The 2019 Agreement was entered into and was designed to “eliminate the injurious effect of Mexican tomato imports.” The Mexican signatories agreed to abide by the terms of the 2019 Agreement, including to sell at or above certain minimum selling prices and to eliminate at least 85% of the dumping found in the underlying investigation on each entry of tomatoes, according to the Commerce Department release.
