In April, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it would terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, effective July 14, 2025. With just over a month before that act takes place, Robert Guenther of the Florida Tomato Exchange shares his thoughts on what this decision means for U.S. tomato growers. "The termination of the agreement isn't the problem — it's the necessary first step toward restoring accountability," he says.
To begin with, Guenther aims to dispel myths about U.S. tomato growers. "The facts developed by the U.S. government after a 10-month investigation demonstrate clearly that the claims by Mexican tomato growers and American companies who import tomatoes from Mexico that American tomato farmers do not produce high-quality tomatoes are fake," he says.
Quality of U.S. tomatoes
As he notes, based on extensive data collected from market participants, the U.S. International Trade Commission or USITC concluded after the investigation that U.S. and Mexican tomatoes are "highly substitutable and comparable with respect to essentially all factors considered by purchasers, including with respect to "flavor, freshness, color, texture, and shape."
"The USITC also found that the U.S. industry is not limited to round tomatoes and that both industries "offer the full range of various types of tomatoes, which are viewed by most market participants to be interchangeable and comparable, through overlapping channels of distribution," says Guenther, who says this is a false narrative from supporters of the suspension agreement that prices will rise because Mexican tomatoes will not be imported in the United States. "An anti-dumping duty merely requires Mexican farmers and exporters to sell their tomatoes in the United States at non-dumped prices in compliance with U.S. law recognized by Mexico in both the USMCA and WTO. These orders do not place any limit on the volume of tomatoes they sell."
He adds that Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum recognized this. "Whether the duties are imposed or not, Mexico will continue exporting tomatoes to the United States," she said.
Guenther also says when data is examined, such as in 2019 when the agreement was terminated for four months, both import quantities of Mexican tomatoes and retail prices to consumers did not fluctuate compared to previous years' volumes and prices.
Ultimately he says that as an organization, it is not anti-trade but rather anti-dumping. "We believe in fair competition. However fair means everyone plays by the same rules," he says. "If we want a future where American tomatoes are still grown in American soil, we have to fight for it. That's what this is about. Not politics. Not protectionism. Just fairness — and the right to keep farming."
Other states on board
Meanwhile, the issue has now moved beyond the Florida border which is one of the most encouraging developments, says Guenther, who says for a long time, this conflict was seen as Florida vs. Mexico. "Not anymore. Growers in California, Georgia, Tennessee, and across the U.S. are now seeing the same damage — price depression, disappearing farms, and unfair competition. We have built a united front. The urgency has created real collaboration across growing regions. We all understand the stakes. There's a strong sense of camaraderie among U.S. growers — a shared commitment to protect American agriculture and ensure a fair and sustainable future for farmers nationwide," he says.
So where to from here? The FTE is now working with the Administration, Congress, and other interested stakeholders to ensure termination happens on July 14th. Guenther says this battle is a classic David vs. Goliath story. "Between now and July 14th, we're focused on making sure the government stays the course — especially in the face of shifting pressure from the Mexican government, Mexican tomato industry, and their supporters in the United States. Yes, we have strong advocates and resources behind us–but this moment requires resolve."
For more information:
Robert Guenther
Florida Tomato Exchange
Tel: +1 (443) 864-0214
[email protected]
https://www.floridatomatoes.org/