Employees work at a stall in an outdoor market dedicated to the sale of fruits and vegetables, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico July 27, 2023.
The announcement comes after the U.S. government withdrew in July from a 2019 agreement that had governed Mexican tomato exports to the American market. Following the withdrawal, U.S. authorities introduced a duty of approximately 17% on imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico.
The new pricing regulation applies specifically to definitive exports. It does not place limits on export volumes or set a cap on prices. The ministries stated that these minimum prices will be reviewed annually, or earlier if required by market conditions.
Under the new framework, the minimum export prices per kilogram are as follows: $1.70 for cherry and grape tomatoes, $0.88 for Roma tomatoes, $0.95 for round tomatoes, and $1.65 for round tomatoes with stems. Other varieties, such as cocktail and heirloom tomatoes, are also assigned a minimum price of $1.70.
According to official data, Mexico exported tomatoes worth $3.3 billion in the previous year. The ministries emphasized that this policy seeks to maintain agricultural competitiveness, protect rural employment, and strengthen food security.
The statement included the following remark: “This action reinforces the government’s commitment to agricultural competitiveness, dignified rural employment, and food sovereignty.”
Mexican tomato producer associations have expressed their support for the decision. The regulation took effect immediately upon its publication in the official government gazette on August 8.
The authorities clarified that the pricing adjustment is not intended to disrupt trade but to maintain fair export practices and preserve the stability of the domestic market.
