U.S. President Donald Trump's administration announced on July 14 a new duty on Mexican tomatoes, which account for more than two-thirds of the tomatoes eaten in the U.S., effectively bringing to an end an export deal between the two countries.
In response, Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, said she hoped to announce measures next week in conjunction with tomato producers.
With the tomato stand-off awaiting the reaction of Mexico to the U.S.'s new 17% duties on imports from its southern neighbor, New York tomato wholesalers acknowledge the stress of being left in a state of limbo. At the same time, Trump can count on support in the industry even as he invites disruption.
According to a member from the family-run Jacob's Tomato Corp, which says it is the largest produce wholesaler and distributor in New York City, the back and forth has been unsettling.
