At a Glance
- The Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade filed an antidumping duty petition on fresh winter strawberries from Mexico.
- An investigation related to this petition could result in increased prices and/or decreased supply of fresh winter strawberries.
- The U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to begin investigation on January 20, 2026.
On December 31, 2025, an antidumping (AD) petition was filed on fresh winter strawberries from Mexico. The petition was filed by the Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (Petitioner), an ad hoc trade association consisting of the following members: Astin Strawberry Exchange; BBI Produce, Inc. d/b/a Berry Boss; Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Grimes Produce Company; Mathis Farms; Simmons Farms, Inc.; Sizemore Farms, Inc.; Sweet Life Farms; Ultra Farms; and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
The U.S. AD law imposes special tariffs to counteract imports that are sold in the United States at less than “normal value.” For AD duties to be imposed, the U.S. government must determine not only that dumping is occurring, but also that there is “material injury” (or threat thereof) by reason of the dumped imports. Importers are liable for any potential AD duties imposed. In addition, these investigations could impact purchasers by increasing prices and/or decreasing supply of fresh winter strawberries.
Scope
Please note that this section was not written by our authors but is taken verbatim from the petition.
The merchandise covered by this investigation is all fresh and chilled winter strawberries (“winter strawberries”) from Mexico harvested or entered during the period October 1 through March 31.
Winter strawberries may be stemmed or de-stemmed, imported in bulk or loose form, or may be imported in individual containers packaged for retail sale. The scope of this investigation includes all winter strawberries, whether or not organic, and irrespective of color, grade, shape, size, or packaging. Subject merchandise may be cleaned, coated, washed, waxed, inspected, subjected to metal detection, and/or vacuum cooled prior to importation.
Winter strawberries covered by this investigation are classified under the following subheadings of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), according to the season of importation: 0810.10.4040 and 0810.10.4080. Although the HTSUS numbers are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the investigation is dispositive.
Estimated Dumping Margin
The Petitioner alleges a dumping margin of 116.69%.
Estimated Schedule of Investigations
The following is an estimated schedule of investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC):
|
December 31, 2025 |
Petition is filed. |
|
January 20, 2026 |
DOC initiates investigation. |
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January 21, 2026 |
ITC staff conference (estimated). |
|
February 16, 2026 |
Deadline for ITC preliminary injury determination. |
|
June 9, 2026 |
Deadline for DOC preliminary AD determination, if deadline is NOT postponed. |
|
July 29, 2026 |
Deadline for preliminary AD determination, if deadline is fully postponed. |
|
December 11, 2026 |
Deadline for DOC final AD determination, if all deadlines are fully postponed. |
|
January 25, 2027 |
Deadline for ITC final injury determination, if all DOC deadlines are fully postponed. |