U.S. imposes preliminary antidumping duties on Mexican strawberries

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a preliminary finding that Mexican producers are dumping winter strawberries in the United States at less than fair market value. As a result, the department has imposed immediate antidumping duties ranging from 3.3% to 5.28% on Mexican strawberry imports arriving between November 1 and March 31.

Specific duties include a 5.28% rate on strawberries produced by Driscoll’s, a 3.3% rate on Mainland Farms, and a 4.83% rate on all other Mexican strawberry producers. The International Trade Commission is simultaneously investigating whether these imports have harmed domestic producers, following a petition by Strawberry Growers for Free Trade representing Florida farmers.

In response, Mexican legislator Octavio Ocampo has called for the creation of a working group involving federal and state authorities to defend Michoacán’s strawberry producers. He warned that these trade measures could lead to reduced employment, lower income for agricultural workers, and decreased economic activity in highly productive regions. Ocampo proposed legal defense actions, market diversification programs, and an emergency fund to mitigate financial repercussions. A final decision regarding the duties is expected in January.