Trump’s tomato tariff draws praise from farmers, criticism from South Texas Democrats

Washington D.C. (ValleyCentral) – President Donald Trump has imposed a 17% tariff on tomatoes imported from Mexico; a move the White House says is aimed at boosting domestic agriculture.

Earlier this week, the White House released a list of American growers who have already seen a positive change.

“It’s only been two days now, and we actually have a lot more calls of people having interest in doing business — and the price hasn’t even changed,” said one farmer from Alabama.

However, some lawmakers representing the valley view it differently, warning that it could lead to higher prices for American consumers.

"Hopefully this is just another tariff that the administration ultimately realizes that it was a bad idea and it doesn't last very long,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). “But I can tell you at the end of the day, it's the American people that are going to pay more for tomatoes."

The tariff marks the end of the Tomato Suspension Agreement, a 27-year-old trade deal between the United States and Mexico that regulated the import of fresh tomatoes. Under the previous system, Mexican producers had to sell their products at or above a set minimum price.

With its termination, the U.S. will collect a flat 17% tariff on tomatoes, in addition to a 10% tariff already in place on all products from Mexico.

Critics argue the policy could drive up grocery store prices, particularly in regions that rely on Mexican imports. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mexico accounted for more than 85% of U.S. tomato imports in 2022.

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) warned that labor shortages in agriculture could worsen the situation. “You get a double whammy with the tariffs and the workers, and therefore prices are going up,” Cuellar said. “Who’s paying for that? You and I are paying for those prices.”

On the other hand, Republican lawmakers in the Valley echo Trump’s sentiment that domestic farms should be the top priority.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) was unavailable for an interview but said in a statement, “My top priority will always be to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Texas farmers, especially securing water we are owed by the Government of Mexico.”