Mexico and the US gearing for showdown over tomatoes

Mexico and the United States are gearing for a costly showdown over fresh tomatoes - a $3.5 billion business for the two countries - in a move that could boost the fortunes of some American tomato farmers but raise prices for U.S. consumers.

Growers in Florida have demanded cuts in imports from Mexico, and Washington appears inclined to support the Floridians and the few farmers from other states who have joined the complaint.

That would require ending a 16-year-old trade agreement and endanger tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, especially in border states, advocates for the Mexican tomatoes say.

Source: JS online