Department of Commerce Ends Supension Agreement, Reinstating Tomato Tariffs
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s termination of the 2019 Suspension Agreement on fresh tomatoes from Mexico:
“For far too long, American tomato growers—especially those in Florida—have been forced to compete against artificially low prices driven by unfair trade practices,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “The termination of this agreement sends a clear message: we’re standing up for American farmers and restoring integrity to our agricultural markets. Food security is national security. Our farmers deserve a fair shot to compete—and this marks a critical step forward in making that possible. I am grateful to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick for their unwavering support.”
Background:
Florida is one of the nation’s largest tomato-producing states, and growers have long raised concerns about the impact of dumped Mexican imports on their ability to stay in business. The 2019 Suspension Agreement halted anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes in exchange for price and volume restrictions from Mexican exporters. With yesterday’s decision, those duties will now go into effect, with most imports subject to a 20.91% tariff. This decision is widely seen as a victory for domestic agriculture and a meaningful step toward fairer trade enforcement.
“Yesterday’s decision is an enormous victory for American tomato farmers and American agriculture. We’re grateful for the decisive, bold, and crucial action taken by the Trump administration to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement,” said Florida Tomato. “This decision will protect hardworking American tomato growers from unfair Mexican trading practices and send a strong signal that the Trump administration is committed to ensuring fair markets for American agriculture. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recognized that five previous agreements with Mexico had failed and that strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws is needed to protect the stability of our food supply chain. We would also like to thank Rep. Kat Cammack and all our champions in Congress, tomato growers from across the country, and allied organizations from different regions, commodities, and states representing a broad cross-section of fruit and vegetable growers in the United States.”
“Today marks a significant victory for growers across the U.S. The termination of the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement by the administration signals a positive movement toward fairer competition, not only for tomato growers but for all specialty crop producers nationwide. For too long, unfair Mexican tomato imports have been dumped into the U.S. market, injuring the U.S. industry,” said the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “This action demonstrates that U.S. trade laws can protect American farmers and ensures that U.S. consumers have access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. We are grateful for the relentless advocacy of Congresswoman Kat Cammack and the Florida Congressional Delegation to level the playing field for growers. The future of the industry is stronger without the undue pressures of unfair foreign trade.”
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Cammack for her tireless efforts to ensure the voices of growers, trade officials, and industry leaders were heard,” said Tony DiMare, President of DiMare Fresh. “Her leadership and persistence were critical in bringing an end to a flawed agreement that, for years, disadvantaged American tomato producers. We sincerely appreciate her steadfast commitment to fairness, accountability, and the defense of American agriculture.”
“Florida’s farmers have faced unfair trade pressures for far too long, and today’s decision is a meaningful step toward restoring fairness in the market,” said Jeb S. Smith, President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “We commend the U.S. Department of Commerce for recognizing the harm caused by dumped Mexican tomato imports and thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack for her unwavering support of Florida agriculture. This action reinforces that American farmers deserve a level playing field and that our nation is serious about safeguarding its domestic food supply.”
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