U.S. tomato prices jumped nearly 40% in April compared to a year ago, driven by a perfect storm of weather disruptions, import tariffs, and rising transportation costs. The Consumer Price Index showed overall grocery food prices up 2.9% year-over-year in April, but tomatoes are outpacing the broader trend by a wide margin.
The combination of factors is squeezing both sides of the supply chain. Tariffs on Mexican imports are limiting the flow of product that typically fills supply gaps, while weather events in key growing regions have further reduced availability. Transportation cost increases are adding another layer of pressure on margins.
Buyers should expect elevated tomato prices to persist through at least the early summer months. If domestic production ramps up in the Southeast and California on schedule, some relief may come mid-season — but the tariff overhang isn't going away anytime soon.