Shoppers may pay 50% more for Tomatoes if the US Puts Duties on Mexican Tomatoes, according to Arizona State University Researcher

The Florida Tomato Exchange has asked the Department of Commerce to apply duties to imported Mexican tomatoes. As part of the legal proceeding 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 LINK TO PDF

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 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.