Mexican red tomato exports fell 5.5% in 2025, totaling $2.239 billion. On July 14, 2025, the United States imposed a 17.09% anti-dumping quota on Mexican tomato imports. The move represents a significant shift in bilateral trade for the product, following years of regulation through suspension agreements.
Over the past 27 years, five suspension agreements were signed—in 1996, 2002, 2008, 2013, and 2019. The most recent agreement was enacted under Section 734(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, aimed at eliminating harmful effects.
In volume terms, Mexican red tomato exports also contracted. Shipments abroad fell 4.2%, reaching 1,798,000 tons, reflecting weaker demand for the product.
Among the leaders in premium tomato production and export, NatureSweet stands out with a greenhouse-focused model. Grupo San Cayetano is notable for its scale and agricultural diversification, while Grupo Bionatur specializes in protected agriculture targeting the U.S. market.
In June 2025, the USDA projected that tomato production in Mexico would decline 3% year-on-year, to 3.1 million metric tons. The adjustment was linked to adverse temperature and persistent rainfall during the production cycle.
The USDA also forecasted a reduction in planting for the fall-winter cycle, a decision influenced by the additional U.S. tariffs on most Mexican tomatoes, effective from July 2025.
Production had already shown weakness in 2024, when drought caused a 1% drop to 3.19 million metric tons, down from 3.22 million in 2023, according to official estimates.
In the United States, The Morning Star Company dominates industrial tomato processing. Del Monte Foods, Conagra Brands, and Campbell Soup also operate extensively in sauces, purées, and canned products, with large processing networks and strong market presence.
Source: Opportimes
