Non-tariff barriers are hindering Mexico-US fresh produce trade

A report published by The University of Arizona about non-tariff barriers to trade has found that new requirements for quality inspections under the Tomato Suspension Agreement are delaying or restricting trade. The report also considers phytosanitary barriers that are being used without the accompanying standard SPS risk assessment.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) president Lance Jungmeyer said:

“Technical barriers to trade emerged as a cudgel in the previous administration. It’s time to revisit the impact of these technical barriers to trade cause our trading partners to respond in kind, and this harms all of US agriculture.”

The report outlines ways to deal with the barriers and potential mechanisms.