Mexico’s tomato industry is expected to scale back in 2026 as U.S. antidumping duties, tighter grower margins and difficult weather conditions continue to affect production decisions.
According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, planted tomato acreage in Mexico is forecast at about 38,000 hectares this year, below levels seen before the tariff took effect. Output is also expected to remain under pressure after a decline in 2025, when drought in key producing regions and higher trade costs affected the sector.
Tomatoes have long been one of Mexico’s most advanced and export-oriented crops, alongside products such as avocados, mangoes and berries. They are grown across much of the country, with a significant share produced through protected agriculture systems, including greenhouses and shade houses.
Reduced planting could leave less supply available for the domestic market, adding pressure to consumer prices. Growers are also weighing profitability, export demand and whether to shift toward other crops or more efficient production systems.
Source: El Diario MX
