The Government of Mexico was notified on July 14 of the U.S. Department of Commerce's decision to withdraw from the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, and its imposition of a 17.09% countervailing duty on Mexican tomato exports.
The Ministries of Economy and Agriculture expressed their disagreement with the decision announced on Monday. "It is unfair and goes against the interests of Mexican producers and the American industry. The ground that fresh Mexican tomatoes have gained in the U.S. derives from the quality of the product, and not from any unfair practice," they stated.
Since 1996, U.S. fresh tomato producers have sought an injunction alleging dumping by Mexican exporters, which has been suspended five times, most recently in 2019.
During the last ninety days, the Mexican government accompanied tomato producers in their negotiations with their U.S. counterparts. Mexican tomato producers formulated various constructive proposals to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. However, despite being very positive for the United States, they were not accepted for political reasons.
"Substituting Mexican tomatoes in the U.S. market will be impossible, given that two out of every three tomatoes consumed in that market are harvested in Mexico. Thus, the measure announced today will only affect the American consumers' pockets."
"The Ministries of Economy and Agriculture will continue to accompany the national tomato producers in search of an agreement that suspends the countervailing duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes announced today, as happened in 2019. Back then, the Agreement was reinstated after 4 months. As on previous occasions when there was a dispute, Mexico will know how to find a solution, and reason will prevail."
"The government will continue to support national producers in their quest to conquer new international markets based on the quality of their products, as well as agro-industrial processing schemes that generate added value."
For more information:
Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
www.gob.mx/agricultura