Mexico has raised serious concerns over a preliminary U.S. Commerce Department ruling that found Mexican strawberry exporters sold strawberries in the United States below their normal value during the winter season.
The ruling could affect thousands of Mexican strawberry growers and jobs linked to the industry. Mexico said it will continue challenging the findings as the case moves toward a final decision expected from the U.S. International Trade Commission in early 2027.
Mexico Responds to US Strawberry Dumping Ruling
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy said Tuesday night that it was seriously concerned about the preliminary finding by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
According to the ministry, the Commerce Department found dumping margins ranging from 3.37% to 5.28%, depending on the Mexican company. The average dumping margin was set at 4.83%.
Mexico said it will closely monitor the case with strawberry producers and exporters while the U.S. review continues.
The Mexican government also argued that the criteria used by the Commerce Department do not comply with the World Trade Organization’s Anti Dumping Agreement or provisions of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement.
Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Mexico challenged a preliminary US ruling on strawberry dumping. |
| Average dumping margin | 4.83% |
| Affected growers | Nearly 5,000 |
| Jobs involved | About 151,000 |
| 2025 exports | 263,000 metric tons worth about $1 billion |
| Final ruling | Expected in early 2027 |
What We Know So Far
The dispute focuses on Mexican strawberries exported to the United States during the winter period.
The case could have a significant effect on Mexico’s strawberry industry. Nearly 5,000 Mexican strawberry growers could be affected, with about 97% described as small or medium scale farmers operating farms of up to 10 hectares.
The industry is also connected to about 151,000 jobs linked to strawberry cultivation.
In 2025, Mexico exported approximately 263,000 metric tons of strawberries to the United States. Those exports were valued at about $1 billion.
Background of the Strawberry Dumping Case
The case began on December 31, 2025, when strawberry producers in Florida filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The producers requested an investigation into whether Mexican strawberries were being sold in the U.S. market at unfairly low prices.
The Commerce Department’s latest decision is preliminary. It does not represent the final outcome of the case.
What Is Strawberry Dumping?
In international trade, dumping generally refers to selling a product in another country’s market at a price considered below its normal value.
Governments can investigate alleged dumping and may impose anti dumping duties if the required legal findings are made.
In this case, the U.S. Commerce Department has made a preliminary finding concerning Mexican strawberry exports. The final outcome will depend on the remaining U.S. proceedings.
The case matters because the United States is a major market for Mexican strawberries.
Any final trade action could affect Mexican growers, exporters and workers connected to strawberry production. It could also influence the cost and supply of strawberries moving between Mexico and the United States.
The potential impact is especially important for smaller growers, who make up most of the affected farming community according to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy.
Mexico's Position
Mexico has rejected the basis of the preliminary findings and said the criteria used by the Commerce Department conflict with international and regional trade rules.
The Ministry of Economy said Mexico will continue working with producers and exporters throughout the process.
The government will also monitor the proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission.
What Happens Next?
The U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to issue its final ruling in early 2027, according to the information provided.
Until that decision is made, the Commerce Department’s findings remain preliminary.
Mexico is expected to continue monitoring the case and defending the interests of its strawberry producers and exporters.
Conclusion
Mexico has pushed back against a preliminary U.S. finding that Mexican strawberries were sold below their normal value during the winter season.
The dispute could have important consequences for thousands of growers and the wider strawberry industry if the U.S. case results in final trade measures.
