Querétaro’s Tomato Exports and Their Significance
Querétaro, Qro. In 2024, fresh and refrigerated tomato exports reached a value of 127 million US dollars, making it the primary vegetable product that Querétaro sold abroad, according to Mexico’s Secretaría de Economía (SE).
The value grew by 12.4% annually in 2024, while the 2023 value increased by 22.7%. Nearly 100% of the exported tomatoes were sent to the United States, based on federal records.
Potential Impact of US Anti-Dumping Tariff
Rosendo Anaya Aguilar, the Secretary of Agropecuary Development (Sedea) in Querétaro, explained that a potential 17.09% anti-dumping tariff imposed by the US on Mexican tomato exports starting August could affect nearly 200 hectares of tomatoes grown for export in Querétaro.
“Primarily, cherry tomatoes are being exported; we have identified around 6,000 tons consistently sent, mostly to the United States,” Anaya Aguilar stated.
The main production units likely to be affected are located in Colón, home to Agropark, as well as Pedro Escobedo and El Marqués.
“Agropark, for example, might experience some effects. It seems to be where the concentration is higher. The main affected ones are Agropark, Finka San Antonio in Pedro Escobedo, and El Marqués,” he added.
Local Consumption as an Alternative Strategy
If the tariff is applied, the primary impact would be on US consumers as the cost will be passed on to the final price. However, locally, there could be a buildup of the product, so one strategy will be to place it in the national market.
“We’ll see if there’s a price adjustment in the coming weeks. If not, the initial impact would be on the end consumer and major exporters, including Querétaro’s exports. The product might accumulate initially if there are difficulties in exporting,” Anaya Aguilar explained.
To counteract the potential tariff, one strategy will be to seek alternative markets for Mexican tomatoes. He noted that nearly two-thirds of US tomato consumption depends on Mexican exports.
Querétaro’s Role in Tomato Production
Although local producers will be affected, Anaya Aguilar emphasized that Querétaro is not among the leading tomato-producing states like Sinaloa or northern and western entities.
On July 14, Mexico’s government received notification from the US Department of Commerce to withdraw from the Anti-Dumping Investigation Suspension Agreement on fresh Mexican tomatoes, leading to the introduction of a 17.09% compensatory tariff on Mexican tomato exports.
The federal economy and agriculture secretaries announced their continued support for national producers in seeking an agreement to suspend the tariff.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current value of Querétaro’s tomato exports? In 2024, fresh and refrigerated tomato exports from Querétaro reached 127 million US dollars.
- Which country is the primary destination for Querétaro’s tomato exports? Nearly 100% of Querétaro’s tomato exports are sent to the United States.
- What type of tomatoes are being primarily exported? Cherry tomatoes make up the majority of Querétaro’s tomato exports.
- What is the potential impact of the US anti-dumping tariff on Querétaro’s tomato exporters? The tariff could affect nearly 200 hectares of tomatoes grown for export in Querétaro, primarily impacting producers in Colón, Pedro Escobedo, and El Marqués.
- How are Querétaro’s exporters planning to address the potential tariff impact? Exporters plan to explore alternative markets for Mexican tomatoes and focus on placing the product in the national market.
- What percentage of US tomato consumption depends on Mexican exports? Nearly two-thirds of US tomato consumption depends on Mexican exports.
- What is Querétaro’s position in tomato production compared to other states? Querétaro is not among the leading tomato-producing states like Sinaloa or northern and western entities.