The possible imposition of a 20.91 percent tariff on Mexican tomatoes by the United States government has raised alarm among vegetable producers in Sinaloa, who warn that they could reduce the area planted with this export crop by up to 20 percent in the next agricultural cycle.
Roberto Bazúa Campaña, president of the Culiacán River Farmers Association (AARC), explained that the measure would be taken as a containment mechanism in the face of the rising costs and commercial uncertainty that would be generated by the imposition of the new tax, scheduled for July 14 by the administration of former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to power in the November elections.
“We are trusting in the federal government’s efforts to renegotiate the suspension agreement, but if the tariff is imposed, it would greatly affect us. The measure we are considering is a 20 percent reduction in the area planted with tomatoes for export,” he warned.
Bazúa Campaña explained that the 2024-2025 fall-winter season was especially difficult for Sinaloa’s horticulturists, who faced unprofitable prices, particularly for crops such as tomatoes, chili peppers, squash, cucumbers, and eggplant.
Despite the adverse outlook, the leader acknowledged that a slight devaluation of the peso against the dollar helped keep producers afloat: the exchange rate fell from 16 to 20 pesos per dollar between the start of planting and the marketing stage.
“It was a difficult season; we emerged with minimal profit. The exchange rate helped, but the price of tomatoes was not favorable. If new tariffs were added, costs would be unsustainable,” he concluded.
The tomato industry represents one of the main drivers of agricultural exports in Sinaloa, and any impact on its competitiveness in the US market could have a direct impact on rural employment, regional economies, and the country’s agri-food balance.
Source: oem
