Agricultural economist explains why you’re paying 32% more for lettuce and 20% more for tomatoes — and why it will stay that way
- Posted on July 19, 2026
- By Fortune
- 0 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Fresh produce prices have surged dramatically across American supermarkets, with lettuce and tomatoes leading the increases. The withdrawal from bilateral trade agreements with Mexico has imposed significant tariffs on agricultural imports, disrupting supply chains and forcing consumers to pay premium prices. Economists predict these elevated costs will persist in the near term as the market adjusts to new trade policies and import restrictions reshape the competitive landscape of the fresh produce industry.
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Agricultural economist explains why you’re paying 32% more for lettuce and 20% more for tomatoes — and why it will stay that way
Trump's exit from the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement triggered a 17% antidumping duty, and Mexican imports have already fallen 13% year over year.
