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Every morning in Nogales, trucks roll across the U.S.-Mexico border carrying fresh tomatoes destined for grocery stores across the country. They arrive at produce warehouses in Southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥, where workers count, sort, and package them for distribution. Then, they’re on the road again, headed to cities across ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ and the country.

This reliable trade supports thousands of local jobs in warehousing, trucking, and logistics, and fuels the local economy in ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s border communities.

That changed last month when the Trump administration abruptly terminated the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA). This decision is a direct threat to the workers and small businesses across ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s border.

For over two decades, the TSA has ensured a steady supply of affordable tomatoes nationwide, provided stable jobs for ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ns, and given local economies a dependable foundation so businesses can operate with confidence knowing that trade would keep moving. It was the backbone of a cross-border economy built on predictability and cooperation.

Now, with a 17% tariff slapped on those imports, everything is in flux. Tomato prices are expected to rise 10%, but the biggest impact isn’t at the grocery store, it’s in the warehouses and trucking depots of Southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥, where people are already feeling the hit. Shipments are slowing, jobs are being cut, and businesses are reconsidering whether they can stay open. The economic ripple effects could last for years.

Border economies rely on consistent trade to attract new businesses and promote long-term growth, and this decision just throws that back in our faces. We need stability and predictability, but instead, we’re left with uncertainty that will only drive away the investment that could have helped our communities grow.

Senator Ruben Gallego has been by our side speaking out about how bad the decision to end the TSA will be for Southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥. As the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Border County Coalition, we stand behind his call to reinstate the TSA and push for policies that protect ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s border economy.

The ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Border Counties Coalition (ABCC) was created in 2017, and it consists of one representative from each participating County selected by the participating County’s Board of Supervisors. The role of this coalition is to help move local, state, and federal legislation and regulation forward that help advocate and/or accelerate economic development opportunities in Southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥, with a specific focus on policies and issues that affect the quality of life and economy along the border.