TRADE

Florida Files Trade Complaint in Tomato War: The state’s agriculture commissioner warned that Florida stands to lose $1 billion a year to Mexican produce sold in the United States at prices below the cost of production. The state filed a petition calling for the International Trade Commission to investigate whether surges in Mexican tomato and pepper imports have injured the U.S. winter vegetable industry. A favorable finding could result in relief measures, including special duties or tariffs on Mexican imports. A similar complaint filed last year was rejected on the grounds that Florida producers represent only a small part of the U.S. tomato industry. Imports from Mexico increased by about 40% while Florida shipments decreased by 10% during the 1995 season, Florida officials said.