Group of Florida growers claim unfair pricing is harming American companies and workers
US consumers could soon be paying more for their winter strawberries after the Trump administration ordered an antidumping investigation into Mexican imports over alleged unfair pricing.
The move follows a petition filed by US growers claiming that Mexican winter strawberries are sold in the US at 18.32 per cent below fair market value. If the allegations are upheld, imports could be subjected to tariff or quota restrictions.
The case was brought by Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (SGFT), a coalition of Florida strawberry producers, whose berries are typically harvested during the winter months.
It alleges that the Mexican industry is dumping winter strawberries in the US market, distorting domestic conditions and harming local producers and workers. Imports covered by the investigation include all fresh and chilled strawberries entering the US or sold between 1 November and 31 March.
“Mexico’s use of unfair pricing is harming American companies and workers. The domestic industry is committed to opposing these unfair trade practices and ensuring that American agriculture is able to compete on a level playing field,” said Daniel Pickard, lead counsel for the SGFT.
Around 98 per cent of US strawberry imports were supplied by Mexico last year, with shipments totalling more than US$1bn, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The US is particularly reliant on Mexican strawberries during the winter months, when domestic production slows.
The US Department of Commerce was expected to release its preliminary finding in the strawberry case, which could call for higher tariffs, by mid-August, but it will be several months before a final determination is made.
