Tomatoes from Mexico Suspension Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you`re a tomato lover, you may have noticed a change in the availability and price of tomatoes in recent months. That`s because the United States and Mexico have been negotiating a new suspension agreement regarding the importation of tomatoes from Mexico.
The previous agreement, which had been in place since 1996, set minimum prices for Mexican tomatoes imported into the United States in order to protect American tomato growers from unfair competition. However, American tomato growers claimed that the agreement was no longer effective in protecting them and asked for changes to be made.
After months of negotiations, a new agreement was reached in September 2019. Here are the key points you need to know:
1. Minimum prices have been increased.
Under the new agreement, the minimum prices for Mexican tomatoes imported into the United States have been increased. This is intended to help protect American tomato growers from unfair competition. The new minimum prices are higher for certain types of tomatoes, such as vine-ripe and round tomatoes, and lower for others, such as cherry and grape tomatoes.
2. More inspections will be conducted.
The new agreement also includes provisions for increased inspections of Mexican tomatoes at the border. This is intended to help ensure that imported tomatoes meet U.S. safety and quality standards. The agreement also includes provisions for penalties if Mexican tomatoes are found to be in violation of U.S. regulations.
3. The agreement is only temporary.
The new suspension agreement is only temporary and will expire in September 2024. This means that the issue of tomato imports from Mexico will need to be revisited in five years. American tomato growers have said that they will continue to push for changes to be made in future negotiations.
4. The agreement may impact prices and availability.
The new suspension agreement may have an impact on the availability and price of tomatoes in the United States. American tomato growers have said that the increased minimum prices will help protect them from unfair competition, but critics argue that this may lead to higher prices for consumers. It`s also possible that some types of tomatoes may become more difficult to find.
In conclusion, the new suspension agreement regarding the importation of tomatoes from Mexico will have important implications for tomato growers, importers, and consumers in the United States. If you`re a tomato lover, keep an eye on the availability and price of your favorite varieties in the coming months and years.
