Why have tomato prices surged nearly 40% in a year?
Tomato prices in the U.S. have surged nearly 40% over the past year, significantly outpacing the overall food cost increase of 17%. This rise is attributed to a combination of tariffs on Mexican tomatoes, adverse weather conditions, and increased transportation costs due to geopolitical tensions. As a result, consumers are facing record-high prices for tomatoes, averaging $2.69 per pound.
- ▪Tomato prices have increased nearly 40% compared to a year ago.
- ▪The U.S. imposed a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, affecting prices.
- ▪Bad weather and disease in key production areas have reduced tomato supplies.
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MoneyWatch Why have tomato prices surged nearly 40% in a year? .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Megan Cerullo Megan Cerullo Reporter, MoneyWatch Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting. Read Full Bio Megan Cerullo May 29, 2026 / 4:02 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Tomatoes are the latest popular food to take a bite out of consumer wallets, joining items like coffee, bananas and beef.As of April, government data shows the fruit's prices were up nearly 40% from a year ago, compared with 17% for food costs overall.
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