Business Leaders and Authorities in Jalisco Express Optimism on Tomato Tariff Reversal
Guadalajara, Jalisco. Business leaders and authorities in the Mexican state of Jalisco are expressing confidence that the United States will reverse a proposed 20.9% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, set to take effect on July 14th when the current suspension agreement expires.
Eduardo Ron Ramos, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) for Jalisco, emphasized that the initial pressure from the tariff would eventually subside. He pointed out that 75% of U.S. tomato consumption comes from Mexico, and imposing a tariff would create inflationary pressures for the U.S.
Lorena Delgado, President of the Jalisco Agricultural and Food Development Council (CDAAJ), noted that Florida tomato producers are already celebrating the tariff’s implementation. However, she cautioned that such tariffs have been overturned in the past due to seasonal nature of the produce, and they could be lifted when it suits U.S. interests.
Health Concerns Top Priority for Jalisco’s Agroindustrial Sector
Despite trade wars and geopolitical tensions, Delgado highlighted that the primary concern for Jalisco’s agroindustrial sector is health-related issues. These include threats like the screwworm affecting livestock, avian influenza among poultry, and African swine fever, which has yet to reach Mexico.
Delgado also mentioned recent egg shortages in the U.S. and Brazil, emphasizing that health concerns are paramount for Jalisco’s agricultural focus.
Jalisco to Host International Agri-Food Congress
In response to these challenges and opportunities, Jalisco is set to host the International Agri-Food Congress (CIA 2025) on September 18th and 19th in Guadalajara. The event, themed “Jalisco on the World’s Lips,” aims to promote policies and knowledge that bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture.
Jalisco leads Mexico in agroalimentary production, contributing over 12% to the nation’s total agricultural value. In 2024 alone, the sector exported more than $7 billion worth of products such as berries, tequila, avocados, meat, and eggs to over 60 countries.
The CIA 2025 will address critical topics for primary sector development, including Mexico’s agri-food landscape, structural challenges, and sustainability in food chains.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main concern for Jalisco’s agroindustrial sector? A: Health concerns, such as screwworms in livestock, avian influenza, and African swine fever, are the primary focus.
- Q: Why is Jalisco confident about the tomato tariff reversal? A: Jalisco’s leaders believe that the U.S. will reverse the tariff due to Mexico’s significant contribution to U.S. tomato consumption and potential inflationary pressures.
- Q: What is the International Agri-Food Congress (CIA 2025) about? A: The CIA 2025 aims to promote policies and knowledge that enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Jalisco’s agroindustrial sector.
- Q: How does Jalisco’s agroindustrial sector contribute to Mexico’s economy? A: Jalisco leads in agroalimentary production, contributing over 12% to Mexico’s total agricultural value and exporting more than $7 billion worth of products in 2024.
