The Honorable Howard Lutnick
Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Mr. Secretary:
The undersigned organizations write regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s intent to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico (the “Agreement”). This decision could create challenges for the U.S. economy, and we therefore urge you to pause this decision to allow time to negotiate a new agreement.
Tomatoes are a vital staple in the American diet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, tomatoes are the second most consumed vegetable in the United States. While the U.S. produces a significant amount on its own, U.S. growers and distributors must import over 2 million metric tons annually —about 90% of which comes from Mexico—to meet domestic demand. Mexico is a key producer of specialty tomatoes like Roma and vine-ripened varieties, which can be difficult to produce domestically in commercial quantities.
Terminating the Agreement would likely have widespread repercussions on the U.S. economy, affecting agriculture, warehousing, logistics, grocery, and restaurant industries. Nationwide, the import and sale of Mexican tomatoes generate an estimated $8.3 billion in economic benefits, including $4.69 billion in indirect and induced effects. U.S.-owned companies employ nearly 50,000 workers in jobs directly and indirectly supporting the movement of tomatoes from Mexico into communities across the country.
For nearly 30 years, the suspension agreements have provided stability and certainty for growers and consumers on both sides of the border. These agreements are regularly updated to account for changing market conditions and to protect the interests of U.S. producers, businesses, and consumers—and there is no reason Commerce cannot update the Agreement rather than terminate it. But we are concerned that withdrawing from the Agreement – at a time when the business community is already navigating significant trade uncertainty – could lead to retaliatory actions by our trading partners against other commodities and crops that could create further hardship for U.S. businesses and consumers.
Thank you for your consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference
American Association of Port Authorities
Arizona-Mexico Commission
Border Trade Alliance
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
Corn Refiners Association
Del Rio Chamber of Commerce
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
Greater Phoenix Chamber
Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce
Laredo Chamber of Commerce
Meat Institute
National Council of Chain Restaurants
National Pork Producers
National Restaurant Association
National Retail Federation
Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Northern Brazoria County Chamber of Commerce
Retail Industry Leaders Association
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
Sky Islands Regional Partnership
Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Texas Association of Business
Texas International Produce Association
The Chamber of Southern Arizona
Trinity Valley Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
