Tomato Prices Surge 50% in Chihuahua as Inflation Slows

In the first half of June, the price of tomatoes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua rose by an annual 50.8%, making it the fastest‑rising food item in the region. The increase marks a sharp slowdown from the previous fortnight, when prices had jumped 100.3%.

Overall inflation in Chihuahua eased to 3.14% in the first half of June, down from 3.57% a month earlier, while city‑wide inflation fell to 3.69% from 4.19% in May. Other products that posted strong annual gains included serrano chilies (41.3%), soft‑drink concentrates (36.1%), potatoes and tubers (35.0%) and poblano chilies (33.5%).

The National Alliance of Small Merchants warned that the recent moderation may be temporary. A 17.09% U.S. anti‑dumping duty on Mexican tomatoes continues to weigh on the market, limiting cultivated area, reducing export profitability and shifting production toward domestic consumption. Retail prices now list a kilogram of tomatoes at 26.90 pesos on offer, compared with the usual 59.90 pesos.