Tomato prices may grow amid tariffs

(CNN) – Households across the country are set to pay more for ketchup, salsa and other tomato-based foods.

Starting Monday, the United States pulled out of a three-decade-old tomato price agreement with Mexico.

The move is to make way for nearly 21% tariffs on most Mexican tomato imports.

That could mean higher prices for Americans at the grocery store and restaurants, such as pizza parlors, or anywhere else that uses tomatoes.

Some restaurant owners who use imported tomatoes say they fear the jump could put their business in jeopardy.

However, some U.S. growers say it’s about time for the tariffs, meant to fight “dumping,” or the practice of selling cheap exports into a foreign market to undercut homegrown products.

The tomato suspension agreement has been in place since 1996, essentially setting a floor for tomato imports.