Supply Chain Research

The USDA has approved imports of tomatoes from Ecuador subject to adequate pest control systems. That will have a direct impact on Mexican farmers given they accounted for 86% of America’s $2.3 billion of imports in the 12 months to March 31. Indeed it could prove transformative in that the U.S. accounted for essentially all of Mexico’s exports last year. Even if supplies don’t drop in the meantime – they actually rose 10% in the past year – they may suffer in the future given Ecuadorian tomatoes could provide an alternative if the U.S. brings a trade case against Mexican growers at a la...