Following discussions in Nogales, Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs highlighted the economic uncertainty impacting multiple sectors. "It's creating uncertainty for the agricultural industry, across industry and across the community," she stated. The instability affects not only agriculture but also other industries integral to the Nogales economy, leading to widespread disruption.
Skip Hulett from NatureSweet, a company operating in Willcox and several Mexican states, highlighted the challenges caused by ongoing uncertainty. Speaking during a roundtable with Governor Hobbs, he said, "It's very disruptive. Our Cherubs — the top-selling tomato in the country — represent about 175 million pounds of product we bring across the border each year. We're really struggling with the uncertainty surrounding the situation. What businesses, especially in fresh produce, need most is stability and predictability." He added that producing these tomatoes at prices familiar to U.S. consumers is only feasible in Mexico, underscoring the importance of cross-border supply chains.
A University of Arizona study indicates that produce imports through the Nogales port contribute approximately $5 billion annually to U.S. economic activity. Recently, President Donald Trump implemented a second one-month pause on 25% tariffs, which include tariffs on Mexican produce.
Source: AZPM