Tomato season is different this year

A W. P. Carey agricultural economist discusses how recent tariffs on Mexican tomatoes will lead to higher grocery prices.

In The Atlantic's July 24, 2025, article, Tomato season is different this year, W. P. Carey agribusiness professor Tim Richards weighs in on how a 17% tariff on tomatoes imported from Mexico could impact U.S. consumers. He explains that while these tariffs are intended to boost U.S. tomato production, they’re more likely to raise prices at the grocery store — without improving quality.

Most of the nice-looking, really tasty tomatoes in the market are Mexican.

— Tim Richards, professor and Marvin and June Morrison Endowed Chair of Agribusiness