Mexico’s agriculture minister said they met with the tomato industry and made agreements with their US counterpart

Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue reported Tuesday that he met with tomato industry executives and achieved agreements with U.S. counterpart Brooke Rollins in a “friendly” meeting in Washington.

In his post on X, Berdegue stated that the agreements would be advantageous to both nations, but he did not go into further detail.

In a subsequent post on X, he claimed to have spoken with over two dozen representatives and businesses that distribute Mexican tomatoes in the United States.

Citing its inability to safeguard American growers, Washington has announced its intention to exit a bilateral deal on Mexican tomato exports. As of July 14, most Mexican tomato exports would be subject to duties of around 20.91% in the event of a U.S. exit.

Regarding his discussion with executives, Berdegue stated, “They highlighted the adverse effects of the measure adopted by the U.S. government, which will make tomatoes more expensive for consumers.”

After the United States threatened to restrict cow imports from Mexico, Mexico’s government stated in April that it intended to start negotiations to renew the agreement. Since then, it has been trying to resolve other recent conflicts, such as the management of a destructive pest known as New World screwworm.

Livestock, wildlife, and occasionally humans can become infested with screwworms. Screwworm fly maggots cause significant and frequently lethal harm to living creatures by burrowing into their skin.

A decades-old water sharing agreement has also caused friction between the trading partners, as Mexico has found it difficult to fulfill its end of the bargain.

The two governments confirmed this week that Mexico will double its water imports, which the United States has stated are essential for farmers in Texas.