The U.S. government says it’s placing a 17% duty on most fresh Mexican tomatoes after negotiations ended without an agreement to avert the tariff. Proponents said the import tax announced Monday will help rebuild the shrinking U.S. tomato industry. Mexico currently supplies around 70% of U.S. tomato market, up from 30% two decades ago, according to the Florida Tomato Exchange. But opponents, including U.S. companies that grow tomatoes in Mexico, said the tariff will make fresh tomatoes more expensive for U.S. buyers. One Arizona State University professor expects prices will rise 8.5% with a 17% tariff.
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