Mexico expresses 'grave concern' over U.S. measures against national strawberries

Mexico's government has voiced "grave concern" over a preliminary U.S. finding of "dumping" on its strawberry exports, warning the case could set a precedent for other Mexican horticultural products. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated preliminary dumping margins between 3.37% and 5.28%, suggesting Mexican strawberries are imported at prices below those of the domestic U.S. industry.

The Mexican Ministry of Economy deemed the U.S. application of seasonality and regionality criteria "arbitrary." It stated these criteria do not align with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Anti-Dumping Agreement or the provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. investigation, initiated after Florida producers requested anti-dumping duties on December 31, 2025, is still in its preliminary stages.

Mexican officials highlighted that a confirmed resolution could negatively impact nearly 5,000 strawberry producers, 97% of whom operate on ten hectares or less. The ruling also threatens the livelihoods of approximately 151,000 people employed in the strawberry cultivation sector. In 2025, Mexico exported about 263,000 tons of strawberries to the United States, generating $1 billion in revenue, according to the Economy Ministry.

Industry groups echoed the government's concerns. The National Agricultural Council (CNA) rejected the measure, warning that applying seasonal or regional criteria to other foods could create uncertainty for investments, exporters, and consumers. Aneberries, representing producers and exporters, argued that the two countries' industries are complementary, with Mexico supplying strawberries mainly from November to March when U.S. domestic supply is low, while importing from California during the summer. The Mexican sector denies its competitiveness stems from unfair practices.

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