American consumers may face increased prices for fresh tomatoes from Mexico following the U.S. decision to exit the Tomato Suspension Agreement, as reported by the Border Trade Alliance. This organization comprises public and private stakeholders supporting cross-border commerce.

"The Tomato Suspension Agreement has provided a reliable structure for trade in fresh tomatoes between the U.S. and Mexico that the trade community has strongly supported," said Border Trade Alliance President Ms. Britton Mullen. She highlighted that over 400 businesses have petitioned the Department of Commerce to sustain the agreement. Mullen emphasized that withdrawing from the agreement could raise prices and contradict the USMCA, amid significant changes in North American trade.

The Border Trade Alliance promotes a robust bilateral trade relationship with Mexico, essential for the American economy’s growth and ensuring affordable fresh produce for consumers, especially during colder months. Tomato imports support over 30,000 U.S. jobs and contribute nearly $3 billion to the U.S. GDP.

The U.S. serves as Mexico’s largest agricultural trade partner, with $18 billion worth of exports, accounting for approximately 70 percent of Mexico’s agri-food imports. Agriculture plays a key role in the bilateral trade, supporting about five million U.S. jobs.

Since 1986, the Border Trade Alliance has been a grassroots non-profit organization offering a platform for discussion and advocacy on border development, quality of life, and trade issues across the Americas. The organization consists of networked representatives from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, committed to advancing border communities through trade and commerce.