U.S. Tomato Prices Soar 40% as 17% Mexico Tariff and Iran War Lift Costs
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · May 29
U.S. Tomato Prices Soar 40% as 17% Mexico Tariff and Iran War Lift Costs
6 articles · Updated · WRAL News · May 29
Tomato prices jumped about 40% from a year earlier, the steepest increase among tracked food items, while some shoppers reported produce-aisle prices as high as $8 a pound.
A 17% tariff hit Mexican tomatoes after the U.S. quit a duty-free import deal last July, and federal tariff collections surged from $16,424 in 2024 to nearly $4.6 million.
The Iran war added another cost layer by driving up gas and shipping expenses, creating what economists called a perfect storm alongside weather and tight supply.
Restaurants are absorbing the sharpest pain: MarginEdge said grape tomato prices rose 65% in a month, and Snarf’s said tomato cases climbed from $27 to $93, adding $1.7 million a year in costs.
Relief may come later in 2026 when U.S. harvests expand, though economists say farmers need time to increase planting enough to ease prices.
As tomato prices quadruple, are Americans being forced to sacrifice healthy eating for affordability?
With tariffs and global crises hiking food costs, can new farming tech solve America's tomato problem?