Tomato Prices Rise Due to Tariffs, Weather and Energy Costs

S. have risen sharply in recent months. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This marked the highest level in more than eight years. Prices for fresh tomatoes increased 15% in March alone, following a 6% rise in February, based on the consumer price index.

Over the past year, fresh tomato prices are up 23%, according to the same data. Tomatoes are a key ingredient in dishes such as pizza, BLTs and salads.

S. Department of Agriculture. Botanically classified as fruits, tomatoes are categorized as fresh vegetables in data sources like the consumer price index.

Factors Driving Price Increases The U.

S. imports about 70% of its fresh tomato supply, with Mexico providing approximately 90% of those imports. Tariffs of about 17% on fresh tomatoes from Mexico were imposed starting in July 2025. These tariffs primarily affect tomatoes in the fresh produce section of supermarkets, rather than canned or processed varieties.

The White House has exempted many agricultural products from tariffs, but tomatoes are among the few major specialty crops imported from Mexico without an exemption. Economists stated that these tariffs are a primary factor in the recent price increases. S.

cannot easily substitute tomatoes from other countries or increase domestic supply to offset the impact from Mexico. Florida is the largest domestic supplier of fresh tomatoes, followed by California. However, Florida crops faced multiple winter freezes and storms from December 2025 to January 2026, reducing supply during the critical spring transition period.

Mexico's tomato yields were also below normal due to weather and disease issues during its peak production season. S. regions, field-grown tomatoes can only be harvested in the warmest months. S. during winter and spring.

These supply disruptions have compounded the effects of tariffs on prices.

Additional Cost Pressures Higher energy costs, driven by the Iran war, have added to tomato price pressures.

Brent crude oil reached about $95 per barrel as of April 14, 2026, up from roughly $70 before the Middle East conflict. This has increased prices for diesel fuel used in transporting produce, which affects perishable items like fresh tomatoes that require truck-intensive shipping. Energy costs are among the key factors influencing food price variations.

It typically takes one to two months for energy price changes to affect retail shelves. Economists reported that further increases in tomato prices are likely in the coming months. Processed tomatoes, such as those used for sauce, paste, canned or stewed varieties, are less affected by fresh tomato tariffs.

S. maintains a trade surplus in processed tomatoes, with California leading production. However, tariffs on metals like steel and aluminum have raised costs for canning and processing, leading to a 6% increase in prices for canned fruits and vegetables in March 2026 compared to the previous year.

Outlook for Prices Relief for tomato prices is expected to occur gradually.

Round tomatoes may see easing first, while cherry and grape varieties could take longer due to differing growing seasons. Store owners had previously absorbed some tariff costs to avoid passing them on to consumers, but this practice has limits. , behind avocados.

The combination of trade policies, weather events and global energy market shifts has created ongoing challenges for supply chains. S. are directly affected, as fresh tomatoes remain a staple in diets and meals.