U.S. tomato prices jumped nearly 40% in April compared to the same month last year, according to Consumer Price Index data. The surge is being driven by a combination of import tariffs, weather disruptions in key growing regions, and rising transportation costs. Overall grocery food prices rose 2.9% year-on-year in April, making tomatoes a stark outlier.
This is a significant supply-side story with real downstream impact for buyers and retailers. Tariffs on Mexican imports — which account for the bulk of U.S. fresh tomato supply — are squeezing margins at every level of the chain. Weather disruptions have compounded the problem by reducing domestic volume at a time when imported supply is already constrained.
Watch for continued pressure through early summer as domestic production ramps up but likely can't fully offset import gaps. Buyers sourcing Florida or Midwest greenhouse tomatoes may have some relief, but the broader market remains tight and expensive.