Querétaro’s Tomato Exports: A Key Vegetable Industry
Querétaro, a Mexican state, is a significant player in the vegetable export market. In 2024, fresh and refrigerated tomato exports reached a staggering $127 million, making it the primary vegetable product sold by Querétaro abroad. This figure represents a 12.4% annual growth from the previous year, which saw a 22.7% increase in 2023.
According to Mexico’s Secretaría de Economía (SE), nearly 100% of these exported tomatoes were shipped to the United States. The cherry tomato variety is the main focus of these exports, with approximately 6,000 tons consistently sent to the US.
Potential Impact of US Tariff on Querétaro’s Tomato Production
Rosendo Anaya Aguilar, the Secretary of Agropecuary Development (Sedea) in Querétaro, warned that a potential 17.09% tariff imposed by the US on Mexican tomato exports could severely affect the state’s nearly 200 hectares of tomato production dedicated to export.
“The cherry tomatoes are the primary focus of our exports, with around 6,000 tons consistently shipped, mostly to the US,” Anaya Aguilar explained. “The main production units that could be affected are located in Colón, home to the Agropark, as well as Pedro Escobedo and El Marqués.”
Local Consumption as an Alternative Strategy
Should the tariff be implemented, the primary impact would be on US consumers due to increased product prices. However, local accumulation of tomatoes could provide an alternative strategy for Querétaro’s producers.
“We will monitor any adjustments in the coming weeks. If not, the initial impact would likely be on end consumers and major exporters, including Querétaro’s tomato exports,” Anaya Aguilar stated. “In response, we will explore direct distribution within the state or country as an alternative.”
To mitigate the effects of the potential tariff, Querétaro plans to seek alternative markets for Mexican tomatoes. Currently, nearly two-thirds of the US tomato consumption depends on Mexican exports.
Querétaro’s Role in the Broader Context
Although Querétaro’s local producers will face challenges, it is essential to recognize that the state is not among Mexico’s leading tomato producers, like Sinaloa or northern and western entities. Querétaro’s primary agricultural focus lies elsewhere.
On July 14, Mexico’s government received notification from the US Department of Commerce regarding their withdrawal from the Antidumping Investigation Suspension Agreement on fresh Mexican tomatoes. Consequently, a 17.09% tariff is set to be introduced on Mexican tomato exports.
The federal secretaries of Economy and Agriculture have pledged to support domestic producers in their pursuit of an agreement that would suspend the tariff.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the primary vegetable exported by Querétaro? Tomatoes, specifically cherry tomatoes.
- How much did Querétaro’s tomato exports grow in 2024? The value of fresh and refrigerated tomato exports reached $127 million, with a 12.4% annual growth.
- Which country receives most of Querétaro’s tomato exports? The United States.
- What is the potential impact of the proposed US tariff on Querétaro’s tomato production? The tariff could affect nearly 200 hectares of tomato production in Querétaro dedicated to export.
- What alternative strategies are Querétaro’s producers considering? Local accumulation and direct distribution within Mexico as an alternative to the US market.
- What percentage of US tomato consumption depends on Mexican exports? Nearly two-thirds.
- What is Querétaro’s role in the broader context of Mexico’s tomato production? Querétaro is not a leading tomato producer in Mexico, with Sinaloa and other northern/western entities taking the lead.
