The Florida Tomato Exchange has asked the Department of Commerce to apply duties to imported Mexican tomatoes. As part of the legal proceedings in the case, the following study from Arizona State University Researcher Tim Richards was posted to the public record.
A copy of the study is available here.
The study found:
- If import tariffs are imposed on Mexican tomatoes, consumers can expect to pay prices that average some 50.0% higher than they currently are.
- Grocery retailers will earn almost $7.53 billion less in revenue.
- In Arizona, economic activity will fall by almost $3.40 billion, with the potential loss of more than 22,700 jobs.
- In Texas, economic activity will fall by over $4.53 billion, with potential loss of more than 32,000 jobs.
- In short, tomatoes imported from Mexico generate economic value far beyond their retail value and support jobs, businesses, and tax revenue in local communities throughout the U.S.
For more information:
FreshProduce Association of the Americas
590 East Frontage Road, Nogales, AZ 85621
Tel.: +1 (520) 287-2707
Fax: +1 (520) 287-2948
Email: [email protected]
www.freshfrommexico.com