Tomato Prices Rise Due to Tariffs, Weather and Energy Costs

U.S. have risen sharply in recent months. U.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.

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

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.

U.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. U.S. regions, field-grown tomatoes can only be harvested in the warmest months. U.S. during winter and spring.

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