US maintains 17% duty on Mexican tomato exports; falling prices in Ukraine and Hungary
The United States has decided to maintain a 17% antidumping duty on Mexican tomato imports, while wholesale tomato prices in Ukraine and Hungary continue to decline due to increased supply.
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has confirmed that the 17% antidumping duty on fresh tomatoes from Mexico will remain in effect in 2026, following a review prompted by Mexican producers. The decision continues to restrict Mexican tomato exports to the U.S. market, maintaining the current trade environment for Mexican exporters and U.S. importers. U.S. industry groups from Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and California supported the continuation of the duty, citing concerns about unfair pricing and competition. Mexican tomato exports to the U.S. are forecasted to decrease by 7% as a direct result of the duty remaining in place. This trade restriction may increase competition among other suppliers to the European market, including Spain, Morocco, and Turkey, as Mexican exporters may seek alternative destinations for their produce.
In Ukraine, greenhouse tomato prices continued to fall during the last week of June 2026 as domestic production increased. Wholesale prices at major greenhouse complexes declined to 70–110 UAH/kg, equivalent to €1.6–2.6/kg, down 13% from the previous week. This seasonal price drop is typical for late June when summer greenhouse harvests reach the market. However, the pace of decline is slower than last year, when prices fell by 23% in the same period. The abundant domestic supply is pushing prices down, which could affect the competitiveness of Ukrainian tomatoes in export markets, including Poland and other Central European countries.
In Hungary, the wholesale price of greenhouse tomatoes in June 2026 averaged 3.16–3.50 PLN/kg, converted to €0.7–0.8/kg. This price is 9% below the five-year average for the same period and only 11% above the lowest June prices recorded in the past five seasons. The Hungarian market is currently experiencing weak conditions for producers, with prices significantly lower than last year's record highs. This price environment may encourage increased exports to neighboring countries, including Poland, where Hungarian tomatoes are traditionally present in the market during summer.
In Italy, retail and wholesale demand for tomatoes remains strong, with supermarkets expanding their tomato assortments and increasing promotional activity. The number of tomato varieties offered in major supermarket chains in Parma rose from an average of 17 in June-July 2025 to 19 in 2026, with particular growth in small-fruited types such as cherry and date tomatoes. Imports of tomatoes to Italy are also increasing to support the broader assortment and meet consumer demand.
Spanish researchers in Murcia are working on preserving and improving traditional tomato varieties to enhance resistance to drought and high temperatures. This research targets the adaptation of local production to ongoing climate challenges, which may influence supply volumes and quality in future seasons.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker