Mexico, U.S. Discuss Tomato Export Dispute Amid Trade and Agriculture Tensions

Mexico’s Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said on Tuesday that he had a “friendly” meeting in Washington with U.S. counterpart Brooke Rollins, resulting in agreements beneficial to both nations. Though details were not disclosed, Berdegue also met with over two dozen U.S. companies involved in distributing Mexican tomatoes.

The talks come as the U.S. plans to withdraw from a longstanding tomato trade agreement, potentially imposing a 20.91% duty on most Mexican tomato imports starting July 14. U.S. officials argue the current deal fails to protect domestic tomato growers. Industry leaders warned the move would raise prices for American consumers.

Mexico has expressed hope of renegotiating the agreement and is also addressing other bilateral tensions, including the management of the New World screwworm—an invasive pest that threatens livestock and, in rare cases, humans. The U.S. previously warned it could restrict Mexican cattle imports if the issue remained unresolved.

In April, Mexico proposed fresh talks to renew the tomato export agreement. At the same time, agricultural friction has also surfaced over a water-sharing treaty in place for decades. Mexico has faced challenges in meeting its obligations, prompting concerns in Texas. However, both governments recently announced a new agreement for Mexico to boost its water deliveries to aid U.S. farmers.

Julio Berdegue, a former UN Food and Agriculture Organization official, now leads Mexico’s agriculture ministry. His diplomatic outreach aims to ease growing agricultural and trade tensions between the two North American partners.

This article includes key updates on U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade, tomato import tariffs, and bilateral negotiations—relevant for stakeholders tracking produce supply chains, trade policy, and cross-border agricultural cooperation.