Recent trade decisions have added a 20.91% tariff on most tomato imports from Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. These imports are commonly used in homes and restaurants across the country. The change is expected to affect tomato prices in grocery stores and restaurants, as reported by KTNV. In Las Vegas, Gilcrease Orchard is reporting a strong tomato crop this season, but the overall outlook for the tomato supply chain remains uncertain.
Mexico provides between 70% and 86% of the tomatoes sold in the United States. With new tariffs in place, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average price of tomatoes, which was $1.70 per pound in May 2025, could increase by about 10%. Local growers such as Gilcrease Orchard are not affected by the tariffs. Its director, Mark Reuben, told FOX5 Vegas, "We won't change our price. It'll stay $1.50 a pound is what we charge for tomatoes." Some local businesses may see more of an impact. John Simmons, owner of Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar and Tacos & Beer, told KTNV, "I mean, I feel helpless. I mean, there’s nothing I can really do." He added, "Oh man, almost everything. Tomatoes are in the pico de gallo, Mexican rice, this is a Guajillo Sauce, this is tortilla soup. All this stuff has tomatoes."
Despite concerns in the agriculture industry, shoppers can still find affordable prices on Roma tomatoes in Las Vegas. A price check by KTNV showed Mariana's Supermarket selling them at $0.79 per pound, Smith’s at $0.99, and Walmart at $1.28—all below the national average. Reuben, who runs an orchard, shared his thoughts on common tomato practices: "When your transporting tomatoes, they usually pick them green and then they gas them to turn them red. Usually in the store they’ll have not a true red but kind of a pinkish red hue to them," he said. "A homegrown tomato is just so much better," as per FOX5 Vegas.
The trade decision is separate from the 30% tariffs announced by President Trump on the European Union and Mexico, which are scheduled to begin next month. This series of trade changes is causing concern for local businesses like Simmons. "If there’s this 21% increase now and later the 30% increase, I mean that’s a big increase," he said, as mentioned by KTNV. Local producers such as Gilcrease Orchard continue operations as usual, while restaurants and stores prepare for possible changes in the tomato market.
