Mexico Tomato Agreement Finalized

WASHINGTON — Mexico and the United States finalized a new suspension agreement for Mexican fresh tomatoes imported into the U.S., the International Trade Administration announced on Monday. 

The agreement continues to suspend an antidumping duty investigation of Mexican growers, which has been suspended since 1996.

“This agreement meets the requirements of U.S. antidumping law and provides an effective remedy for the U.S. domestic industry that protects American jobs,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration Paul Piquado.

“It includes important mechanisms that strengthen our ability to enforce the agreement and maintain required coverage of Mexican tomato imports, thereby helping American tomato growers to compete on a level playing field.”

The new agreement increased the base sale prices of imported Mexican tomatoes and expanded the categories that must have a base sale price.

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On Tuesday, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas trade group congratulated the group of Mexican tomato growers involved in the negotiations. 

“We stand fully behind the Mexican growers in implementing the new tomato suspension agreement,” said Lance Jungmeyer, president of the group. “Their tireless efforts to maintain market access for Mexican tomatoes mean that consumers will still be able to find the quality and diversity of tomatoes that they have grown to prefer at the supermarket and in restaurants. The agreement will ensure continued stability in the tomato supply chain.”