The U.S. Department of Commerce has reignited a trade dispute with Mexico, announcing Monday the immediate imposition of a 17.09 percent duty on most fresh tomatoes, ending a 2019 agreement to halt antidumping investigations.
Earlier in April, the department stated that the current agreement had failed to shield U.S. tomato growers from "unfairly priced Mexican imports," citing an influx of comments urging its termination. The move aims to restore fair competition for U.S. producers, the department said.
According to the statement, the department currently maintains 734 antidumping and countervailing duty orders, which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
Mexico's ministries of economy and agriculture said on Monday in a joint statement that the U.S. decision was unfair, as it not only harms the interests of Mexican producers but also affects U.S. related industries and consumers. Mexico will consult with the U.S. while seeking to explore new markets.
According to U.S. media, about 70 percent of tomatoes in the U.S. come from Mexico.
US hits Mexican tomatoes with 17pct duty, sparking trade dispute
US hits Mexican tomatoes with 17pct duty, sparking trade dispute
US hits Mexican tomatoes with 17pct duty, sparking trade dispute
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
