Prices for Mexican squash imports, especially for hard varieties, are being kept in check by domestic production. For tomatillos, another Mexican import, steady demand has made for stable prices.Demand for butternut squash from Mexico has been moderate, and prices have reflected that. On March 17, prices for a carton of medium butternut squash from Mexico were between $10.95 and $14.95 at Nogales, Arizona crossings, and prices for a carton of large squash got up to $16.95.
According to one Nogales importer, production in Florida has kept the market for imported butternut squash in check. That's compounded by the fact that domestic growers store their supplies and can dole out supplies in a more planned fashion. Mexican growers, on the other hand, want to get rid of their product as soon as it's harvested.
The market for imported tomatillos has been steady. On March 17, prices for a crate of Mexican tomatillos were between $11.00 and $15.00 at crossings through Texas. At Nogales crossings, prices were between $0.25 and $0.30 per pound.