Tomatoes, wiring, peppers and grapes: Proposed Trump tariffs could hit Arizona imports

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed heavy tariffs for goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China could have a major impact on items from tomatoes to car parts in Arizona, which shares a significant trading relationship with its neighbor to the south.

It's still more than 50 days until Trump is sworn in for a second term, but his economic proposals are already causing commotion across the globe. Trump tied his tariff threat to immigration, posting on social media Monday, Nov. 25 that he’d “sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States.''This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,” Trump wrote. He also pitched an additional 10% tariff on goods from China.

Tariffs that Trump is proposing would affect the country’s international trading partners, but they’d also be felt inside states like Arizona. Much of the produce that fills American grocery stores in the winter months is grown in Mexico and passes through Arizona’s southern border.

The largest share of Arizona imports comes from Mexico, totaling $11.8 billion in 2023. Imports from Canada also reached billions of dollars last year, according to data on Arizona-Mexico Economic Indicators compiled by the University of Arizona.

Here are consumer and business products for which tariffs could have an outsized impact, both on price and availability.

More: Bargaining chip or devastating blow? Arizona border economy debates the 25% tariff

Tomatoes: Arizona's top import from Mexico

Fresh and chilled tomatoes were Arizona’s top import from Mexico last year, worth $895.3 million. A significant portion of tomatoes from Mexico arrive in the U.S. through the Arizona border city of Nogales: the Nogales Port facilitated the import of $662.6 million in tomatoes in 2022.

Wiring for cars, ships and planes: A manufacturing staple

Arizona’s relationship with Mexico makes it possible for auto manufacturers to send parts back and forth across the border during the assembly process. Insulated wiring sets for machinery inside vehicles, ships and aircraft were the second-largest import to Arizona from Mexico in 2023. Those imports, crucial for manufacturing cars and other modes of transportation, were worth $605.3 million last year.

Peppers: Brought across the border by the millions

Peppers are another grocery item that could be affected by Trump's tariffs next year. Arizona imported $543.8 million in peppers from Mexico in 2023, making them Arizona’s second-largest produce import after tomatoes.

Grapes: Often enter the country through Nogales

Also in the produce aisle, grapes are a major import from Mexico to Arizona. According to the University of Arizona, the state imported $424.7 million in fresh grapes in 2023. Like tomatoes, grapes often pass through the Nogales port of entry into the U.S.

Wood products: Canada\'s top import to Arizona

Canada is Arizona’s third-largest trading partner, and the top import from that country last year was wood products, the University of Arizona found. The state imported $120.7 million in products including wood chips in 2023.

Baked goods from Canada: Often distributed in this state

Bread, pastry, cakes and puddings are another major Canadian import in Arizona. The state brought in $61 million worth of Canadian baked goods in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Proposed Trump tariffs could hit Arizona imports like tomatoes, wiring